OCT.-DEC. /1979
Adult Sabbath School Lessons
OUR
WONDERFUL
GOD
X'ffiCRloR!
MEET MISSIONARIES, NATIVES,
LANGUAGES, CUSTOMS, PRESS,
FOODS, BELIEFS, TRANSPORTATION,
AND LANDSCAPES.
. . . In Your Sabbath
School Through MIS-
SION SPOTLIGHT.
■
Fresh on-the-spot
colorful reports once
each month.
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9-
to
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soundtracks on cas-
sette and tape.
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40 to 50 super-size
color visuals.
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Rear projection pro-
duces brilliant pic-
tures.
■
Sights and sounds
filmed and recorded
in the areas of the
world selected to
benefit from the
overflow offering
each quarter.
For details on how to se-
cure this service, write your
local conference Sabbath
school director.
GENERAL CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS
•
3006 BERNE, SWITZERLAND
EURO-AFRIOA DIVISION
SOHOSSHALDENSTR. 17 - 2 031
44
62 82 - TELEX: 338 40 EAD
Dear Sabbath School Brothers and Sisters,
In the name of the Euro-Africa Division, may I thank each one of you for your
generous third quarter, 1977, Thirteenth Sabbath Offering.
Once again it is the privilege of our division to receive financial help from
the worldwide Sabbath School family in developing projects which will advance
the work of God. The Special Projects Offering for this quarter will reflect
a lot of prayer, work, and sacrifice by God's people around the world. Your
gifts will go for the following projects:
1.
COMPLETION OF ANDAPA HOSPITAL IN MADAGASCAR
Located in the northeast part of Madagascar, this mission hospital began
operating two years ago. The construction of the 40-bed hospital has already
been started. However, much of the technical apparatus and medical equipment
still needs to be financed. Soon a second physician will be employed to give
medical assistance to the sick in the outlying areas of the island.
2.
EVANGELISTIC CENTER IN N'DJAMENA, CHAD
Elder Albert Bodenmann, a Swiss missionary, pioneered our work to Chad in 1968.
During the past 11 years small groups of Adventists have been meeting regularly
throughout the country. One of our greatest needs in this field is for an
evangelistic center in the country's capital, N'Djamena. For many years the
two congregations there have had to meet in small chapels built of clay. This
situation is no little hindrance in our evangelistic efforts. Now a part of
your offerings will fulfill this real need.
3.
DORMITORIES FOR PORTO ACADEMY, PORTO, PORTUGAL
In the last few years our work in Portugal has developed strongly. Doors have
suddenly opened for our educational work there. Our school in Porto needs girls'
and boys' dormitories enabling Adventist parents to send their children to our
school.
We look forward to the end of this quarter with confidence and trust, knowing
that through the work of the Holy Spirit and through brotherly cooperation, we
will be able to promote and strengthen and complete God's work. Your offerings
on this 13th Sabbath will contribute to this.
Again, thank you for your help. In the unity of God's family, I remain
Your brother in Christ,
E. Ludescher,
Ludescher, president
Euro-Africa Division
1—A. L. 4-79
THEOS
AMON Al
RI S
God has many names. Each
gives a slightly different insight
into His character and His nature.
The Mighty One. Object of Wor-
ship. Master. Ruler. The One Who
Is.
It is essential to know God. But it
is even more essential to know God
completely, because an incomplete
knowledge can be worse than no
knowledge at all.
You can know God. This quar-
ter's Sabbath School lessons are
designed to help. And to under-
stand the Sabbath School lessons
even better, read KNOWING
GOD, a supplementary lesson-
study book written by Edwin R.
Thiele, author of the Sabbath
School lessons this quarter.
Get in on the benefits of know-
ing God as Father, Redeemer, Pro-
tector, Provider, and Saviour.
Read KNOWING GOD. Available
at your nearest Adventist Book
Center. Or order by mail from the
ABC Mailing Service, P.O. Box
37485, Omaha, Nebraska 61837.
Send US$3.95, plus applicable
state tax, for each book ordered.
Please include 50,t for the first book
and 40,e for each additional book
for postage and handling. In
Canada send to ABC Mailing Ser-
vice, Box 398, Oshawa, Ontario
L1H 7L5.
Special limited-time introductory
price!
Until the end of December, you
can get KNOWING GOD at the
special introductory price of just
US$3.50 at all Adventist book cen-
ters and ABC Mailing Service of-
fices. Buy one now!
Southern Publishing Association
DAYBREAK OA
EN
SERIES
Adult Sabbath School Lessons / No. 338 / October-December, 1979
ContrIs
1.
The Ancient of Days
2.
The Lord Most High
3.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
4.
Emmanuel—God With Us
5.
The Holy One
6.
The God of Love
7.
The God of Peace
8.
Wonderful, Counsellor
9.
The Lamb of God
10.
My Father and My God
11.
The Lord of Hosts
12.
The God of Help
13.
King of Kings
The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department
of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons
is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which
serve as consulting editors.
Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20012
Lesson Author: Edwin R. Thiele
Editor: W. Richard Lesher
Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore
Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat
Art and Design: Pacific Press
Scripture references other than from the King James Version used in this quarterly are as follows:
NEB. From
The New English Bible,
copyright © by the Delegates of the Oxford University Press, and the Syndics
of the Cambridge University Press 1961 and 1970. Used by permission of Cambridge University Press, New York
City,
RSV. From the
Revised Standard Version Bible,
copyright © 1946 (renewed @ 1973), 1952 and ©1971, by the
Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and used by
permission.
TEV. From the "Good News Bible in Today's English." Old Testament copyright © 1976; New Testament
copyright © 1966, 1971, 1976 by the American Bible Society. Used by permission.
Braille lessons available. See page 112.
Adult Sabbath School Lessons (standard edition). Published quarterly by Pacific
Press Publishing Association, 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94042,
U.S.A. One year subscription in U.S.A., $2.00; single copy, 50 cents. One year sub-
scription to countries outside U.S.A., $2.60; single copy, 65 cents. All prices at U.S.A.
exchange. Second-class postage paid at Mountain View, California 94042, U.S.A.
When a change of address is desired, please send both old and new addresses.
Copyright © 1979 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
In order to have a "Good Day" start it with God.
A daily study of your Sabbath School lesson will
fortify you for the challenges of the day.
OUR WONDERFUL GOD
INTRODUCTION
God is the outstanding fact of the universe. Man's greatest need is to understand
Him better.and to have God'simage restored in him. Without such an understanding
it is not possible for man to be truly happy or to be at peace with himself or his fellows.
Because men failed to understand God and because they failed to recognize Him and
give Him the homage that is His due, humanity has brought woe upon itself and doom
upon the world.
In the Bible God has given a revelation of Himself through His witnesses—the
patriarchs, the prophets, and the apostles. And in these last days we are particularly
favored by the marvelous revelation that God has given of Himself through His
chosen messenger, Ellen G. White. But the most outstanding revelation the world has
had of God is through His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to this earth to live the life of
God in human flesh and to give God's message to men through human' lips.
When man becomes acquainted with God, he discovers that He is indeed a wonder-
ful God—a God of goodness as well as greatness, of love as well as wisdom, of mercy
as well as justice, of compassion as well as power. He is the God of the poor and meek
of earth as well as of the wealthy and the great, a God of men of all colors and races
who stand before Him as equals and are equally loved by Him. This wonderful God is
our God today, the God of yesterday as well as tomorrow.
The purpose of the lessons this quarter is to help us become better acquainted with
our wonderful God and to serve Him better. Thus in this earth we may learn to become
like Him, and fit and privileged to become His closest associates throughout eternity.
The Bible and the spirit of prophecy will be our main sources for detailed informa-
tion concerning our wonderful God. The title of each lesson is a biblical,name for
God.
The men who wrote the books of the Bible were men who were acquainted with
God and who were spokesmen for Him. They heard God, they talked to Him and
walked with Him, and made Him known to those about them.
In our age God had a special messenger to whom He revealed Himself and through
whom He spoke to man. As a result we may have modern conceptions of God
concerning our own ways and the times in which we live, expressed in the language
of today. In the writings of Ellen G. White, termed "the spirit of prophecy," we
constantly come into touch with God. To what extent this is true may be seen by a
glance at the
Comprehensive Index to the Writings of Ellen G. White.
There, under the
heading "God," are found 20 pages of references with about 70 entries per page.
Under the heading "Christ" 86 pages of references occur, and under the heading
"Holy Spirit," there are 30 pages. Anyone who desires to become acquainted with
modern revelations concerning God and His ways dares not ignore this source. It will
constantly be employed in these lessons.
7
LESSON 1 September 30 to October 6
The Ancient of Days
"Look unto me, and be ye saved, all
the ends of the earth: for I am God,
and there is none else" (Isa. 45:22).
Ellen White has rightly said that the
great purpose of life is "to bring man
back into harmony with God."
—Counsels to Teachers,
p. 49.
It does not take much thought or
observation to note that man is
hopelessly out of touch with his
Maker. God is often ignored, and man
considers that if he doesn't help
himself, no one will. When things go
wrong, as in the case of wars and
famine, God is blamed. "If God is in
control, if God is love," people will
say, "how is it that He permits this or
that calamity? Why does He not do
something about injustice?" When
people consider that God is the active
cause of evil, or even the heartless
tolerator of evil, they have turned God
off in their thinking.
It is important to have a clear
conception of God. It is important to
know how He relates to evil and how
we should relate to Him. If God is
different from what we think, then it is
our duty to change our views. We
recognize what an injustice it is to have
f
ross misconceptions of our
ellowmen. How much more
necessary it is for us to know God as
He really is.
How can we learn about God? We
recognize that we cannot really know
God unless He chooses to reveal
Himself. But we aregrateful that God
has revealed Himself in Creation, in
the Bible, and supremely in the life of
Jesus Christ. Seventh-day Adventists
have the writings of Ellen White, often
referred to as the spirit of prophecy, a
modern-day manifestation of God's
revelation through a prophet.
Through all these sources we can
become acquainted with God, whom
to know, said Jesus, is eternal life. (See
John 17:3.)
By coming to know God man is lifted
up out of the degradation of human
life. Although he has inherited the
fallen nature of Adam, the Christian
looks forward to the time when he can
reflect God's character more fully. By
beholding he becomes changed.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Eternal God
(Ps. 90:1, 2)
2.
The Only God
(Isa. 44:6-8)
3.
The Universal God
(Isa. 14:26,
27)
4.
The Living God
(Jer. 10:10, 11)
5.
The Omnipresent God
(Ps. 139:7-10)
6.
The Greatness of God
(1 Chron. 16:24, 25)
The Ancient of
Days
LESSON 1
❑
Sunday
September 30
Part 1
What does the psalmist, in Psalm 90:1, 2, emphasize about
THE ETERNAL GOD God?
"Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst
formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to
everlasting, thou art God" (Ps. 90:1, 2).
In this psalm, Moses presents an impressive picture of the
transitoriness of man's existence in contrast with the eternity of
God. The life of man is limited. He comes and goes like the
grass; he spends his years as a tale that is told, but God abides
forever. Notice the striking affirmations of the timelessness of
God in Psalm 90:1, 2, 4.
How does John the revelator refer to the length of Christ's
reign? Rev. 11:15.
The kingdom will have no end. In this regard it differs from all
earthly kingdoms. Our God will reign without ceasing.
How does Daniel envision the kingdom set up by God? Dan.
2:44.
Only one kingdom can last forever and that is God's kingdom
because only God can continue ruling forever.
What does Paul say concerning God's being? 1 Tim. 6:16.
Paul places before Timothy the challenge to remain true to
God, fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12). He is to do this
in the sight of God who is to be honored forever and ever, who
alone has immortality. Timothy is not serving one who is here
today and gone tomorrow. There is stability in eternity.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is the eternity of the Godhead an important charac-
teristic?
The eternity of God means the eternity of His principles of
righteousness and peace. When we make the eternal God our
habitation, we may be sure that we can never be moved. Change
and decay are characteristics of everything around us, but God
never changes. When God abides with us, we can abide in Him
forever.
"I AM means an eternal presence; the past, present, and
future are alike to God. He sees the most remote events of past
history, and the far distant future with as clear a vision as we do
those things that are transpiring daily."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
1, p. 1099.
FURTHER STUDY
Isa. 40:6-28; Jer. 10:10-16.
10
The Ancient of Days
LESSON 1
❑
Monday
October 1
Part 2
THE ONLY GOD
How does the one true God point out His uniqueness?
"Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the
Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me
there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare It,
and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient
people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let
them shew unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I
told thee from that time, and have declared It? ye are even my
witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I
know not any" (Isa. 44:6-8).
The Bible makes it clear that there is only one God—the God
who created man and who is thesupreme Ruler of heaven and
earth. That the Lord is the only true God is emphasized
throughout God's Word.
What other texts in Scripture describe the uniqueness of
God? Isa. 45:5; 43:10; 1 Cor. 8:6; Ps. 86:10.
From earth's earliest ages after the Fall men have worshiped
gods other than the Lord who rules the heavens and the earth.
The Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans invented
such gods and erected temples to them. But they were gods
without power or authority, and were no more worthy of wor-
ship or respect than the wood or stone of which they were made.
What is the first commandment of the law of God? Ex. 20:3.
"Jehovah, the eternal, self-existent, uncreated One, Himself
the Source and Sustainer of all, is alone entitled to supreme
reverence and worship. Man is forbidden to give to any other
object the first place in his affections or his service. Whatever
we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere
with the service due Him, of that do we make a god."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 305.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why have men turned away from the true God to worship the
false gods?
"Satan accomplished the fall of man, and since that time it
has been his work to efface in man the image of God, and to
stamp upon human hearts his own image. Possessing su-
premacy in guilt, he claims supremacy for himself, and exer-
cises over his subjects the power of royalty. He cannot expel
God from His throne, but through the system of idolatry, he
plants his own throne between the heaven and the earth, be-
tween God and the human worshiper."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
1, pp. 1105, 1106.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 8, pp. 270-272.
11
2-k L. 4-79
The Ancient of Days
LESSON 1
❑
Tuesday
October 2
Part 3
THE UNIVERSAL GOD
Is it inevitable that God's purposes will be worked out?
"This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth:
and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.
For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul
it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"
(Isa. 14:26, 27).
The Creator of the universe is its lawful Lord, and the maker of
the world is its rightful King. God is everywhere in supreme
command. (See Col. 1;16, 17.)
Does anything happen in the world that God is unaware of?
Matt. 6:26-32.
"Nothing can happen in any part of the universe without the
knowledge of Him who is omnipresent."—Ellen G. White Com-
ments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 3, p. 1141.
"The same creative energy that brought the world into exis-
tence is still exerted in upholding the universe and continuing
the operations of nature. The hand of God guides the planets in
their orderly march through the heavens."—Counsels
to Teach-
ers,
p. 185.
What striking contrast does Isaiah make between God and
His creation? Isa. 40:15, 17.
It is comforting to know that the Supreme Ruler above is the
Friend of man. Human beings everywhere are objects of His
saving grace. "God is no respecter of persons: but in every
nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is ac-
cepted with him" (Acts 10:34, 35).
"The life of Christ established a religion in which there is no
caste, a religion by which Jew and Gentile, free and bond, are
linked in a common brotherhood, equal before
God."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 9, p. 191.
What Bible characters not of the Jewish race are singled out
as having acknowledged the one true God?
Rahab the innkeeper of Jericho (Joshua 2:3, 11), Naaman the
Syrian commander (2 Kings 5:9, 15), Nebuchadnezzar the
Babylonian king (Dan. 2:47), Cornelius the Roman centurion
(Acts 10:1, 2), the Roman centurion at the cross (Luke 23:46, 47),
Ruth the Moabitess (Ruth 1:16), and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts
8:27-37).
How would you explain the sovereignty of God in the light of
the fact that evil is rampant in the world?
Isa. 52:7-10; 54:2-5; Micah 4:2-13; Zech. 4:6-14.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
12
The Ancient of Days
LESSON 1
❑
Wednesday
October 3
Part 4
THE LIVING GOD
Besides His eternity and uniqueness, what other charac-
teristic does God have?
"The Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an
everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the
nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. Thus shall
ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens
and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from
under these heavens" (Jer. 10:10, 11).
The living God of the Hebrews is set forth in striking contrast
to the man-made gods of the heathen which have no life. (See
1 Sam. 17:36; 1 Kings 18:26-29; 1 Thess. 1:9.)
The term "living God" means more than that God is alive. It
also means that God gives life. That is why the psalmist says:
"With my whole being I thirst for God, the living God" (Ps. 42:2,
NEB). (See also Ps. 63:1.) The psalmist knows that, as the
parched animal drinks water and is refreshed, so we can come
to the living God and receive renewed energies.
There is also the connotation of watching and caring and
acting, something a living God could do but the idols never. We
may be thankful that we have a living God who can be trusted to
care for our every need.
By what name did God reveal Himself to Moses? Ex. 3:14.
The four Hebrew letters composing this name have no related
vowels. Some have pronounced them Jehovah or Yahweh. The
devout Jew considers the name too sacred to pronounce. The
name suggests that God is the ever-present, ever-active God,
the One who is ready to help when the need arises.
With whom did Peter link Jesus? Matt. 16:16.
•
Jesus claimed that He is the Life-giver. (See John 6:47; 10:10.)
He is the bread of life (John 6:51). He is the door and the
shepherd (John 10:9, 14).
THINK IT THROUGH
If the words of Christ are eternal life, what should I do about
them?
"It was Christ who from the bush on Mount Horeb spoke to
Moses saying, 'I AM THAT I AM.... Thus shalt thou say unto the
children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.' Ex. 3:14. This was
the pledge of Israel's deliverance. So when He came 'in the
likeness of men,' he declared Himself the I AM. The Child of
Bethlehem, the meek and lowly Saviour, is God 'manifest in the
flesh,' 1 Tim. 3:16. And to us He says: 'I AM the Good Shepherd.'
'I AM the living Bread.' I AM the Way, the Truth, and the
Life.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
p. 24.
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pp. 131-134.
13
The Ancient of Days
LESSON 1
❑
Thursday
October 4
Part 5 What attribute of God is expressed in Psalm 139:7-10?
THE OMNIPRESENT
GOD
"Whither shall I go from thy Spirit?
Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend to heaven, thou art there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, thou art there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there thy hand shall lead me,
and thy right hand shall hold me" (Ps. 139:7-10, RSV).
God is everywhere. There is no place where man may flee
from His presence, nowhere that His power is not at work, in the
highest heavens or in the deepest parts of the earth.
By the omnipresence of God we mean that God is not limited
by space as we are. We can be in only one place at a time, but He
can be everywhere at the same time. It is not that He spreads
Himself out everywhere—as the pantheist would suppose—but
He is wholly present everywhere. This concept is beyond our
comprehension, but so is everything else about God!
God has given abundant assurance in His Word that He is ever
present with His children. To His followers Jesus said, "Lo, I am
with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20).
Through His prophet Isaiah God spoke words of courage, "Fear
thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I
will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee
with the right hand of my righteousness" (Isa. 41:10). In the final
crisis God's people will be able to say, "The Lord of hosts is with
us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" (Ps. 46:7).
What desire did God express to Israel through Moses in
Exodus 25:8?
The church building today has, in some ways, taken the place
of the tabernacle of Old Testament times. There the Lord meets
with His people. There we can meet with Him and hear His voice
speaking to our hearts. God can be to us more than mere theory.
Wherever we may be, walking and talking with Him can be a
matter of personal experience. With my spiritual ear
I
personally
can hear God speaking to me, telling me that He loves me and is
with me, directing my ways, and speaking confidence and joy to
my heart. When Jesus returns in glory, I can be with those who
say, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will
save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad
and rejoice in his salvation" (Isa. 25:9).
THINK IT THROUGH
How does the omnipresence of God help me?
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 115, 116.
14
The Ancient of Days
LESSON 1
❑
Friday
October 5
Part 6
THE GREATNESS
OF GOD
What was David's concept of God?
"Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous
works among all nations. For great is the Lord, and greatly to
be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods" (1 Chron.
16:24, 25).
Men of God have been deeply moved as they have pondered
His greatness and goodness. The greatest stars are the prod-
ucts of His hands. The mightiest angels were made by Him. All
the creatures of earth exist because of Him.
What are some of the ways in which we can see God's
greatness?
1.
God's goodness—Ps. 31:19.
2.
God's works—Ps. 92:5.
3.
God's thoughts—Ps. 139:17.
4.
God's personal care-1 Sam. 12:24.
God intends that we should think often of Him and of His
wonderful works. Doing so, we would approach Him with fitting
awe, respect, and acclaim. "Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the
Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in
the congregation. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of
all them that have pleasure therein. . . . He hath made his
wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and
full of compassion"(Ps. 111:1-4).
God is great in all His attributes—in His love and power, His
gentleness and mercy, His justice and goodness. Everything
about Him can be expressed in superlatives. His goodness
makes Him great.
The greatness of God makes men meek and reverent in His
presence. "True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His
infinite greatness and a realization of His presence.... The hour
and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there."—
Prophets and Kings,
pp. 48, 49.
The greatness of God inspires His children to strive toward
greater heights of attainment. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as
your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matt. 5:48). As God is
perfect in character, so man should be perfect in his. As God is
perfect in His workmanship, so man should put forth every
effort to be perfect in his. "As God is perfect in His sphere of
action, so man may be perfect in his human sphere."—Coun-
sels to Teachers,
p. 365.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can a man become truly great? What would be his
attributes?
FURTHER STUDY
Job 38:1-41; Ps. 19:1-6; Isa. 40:9-31.
15
T
LESSON 2 October 7-13
"He that dwelleth in the secret place
of the most High shall abide under the
shadow of the Almighty. I will say of
the Lord, He is my refuge and my
fortress: my God; in him will I trust"
(Ps. 91:1, 2).
There are many philosophies of
history. For some, history is a random
occurrence of events, without
meaning, without purpose. For
others, history can be explained in
terms of economics and personal
ambition. Still others think of history
as cyclical, ever repeating itself, or
wavelike in the sense of the rise and
fall of nations and individuals.
The Christian understands by
revelation that above and through all
history there is a God who began the
process, sustains it, and ever works to
accomplish His plans and purposes.
Man is not alone to fend for himself or
determine his destiny. There is a God
who encourages the good and
controls the evil.
"In the annals of human history the
growth of nations, the rise and fall of
empires, appear as dependent on the
will and prowess of man. The shaping
of events seems, to a great degree, to
be determined by his power,
ambition, or caprice. But in the word
of God the curtain is drawn aside, and
we behold, behind, above, and
through all the play and counterplay of
human interests and power and
passions, the agencies of the
all-merciful One, silently, patiently
working out the counsels of His own
will. . . .
"To understand these things—to
understand that 'righteousness
exalteth a nation;' that 'the throne is
established by righteousness' and
'upholden by mercy' (Proverbs 14:34;
16:12; 20:28); to recognize the
outworking of these principles in the
manifestation of His power who
'removeth kings, and setteth up kings'
(Daniel 2:21),—this is to understand
the philosophy of history."—
Education,
pp. 173-175.
The purpose of this lesson is to show
how human beings may enter upon
true greatness only as they come into
harmony with the plans and purposes
of Him who alone is truly great, the
Supreme Ruler of the universe, the
Lord most high.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Supreme Ruler of All
(Rev. 5:13)
2.
The Creator of All
(Col. 1:16, 17)
3.
The Infinite God
(Ps. 147:5; Rom. 11:33, 34)
4.
The All-powerful God
(Eph. 1:19-21)
5.
The Judge of All the Earth
(Gen. 18:25)
6.
The Accepted God
(Jer. 31:34)
The Lord Most High
LESSON 2
❑
Sunday
October 7
Part 1
THE SUPREME
RULER
OF ALL
What portion of God's creation acknowledges God as ruler
of all?
"Every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and
under the earth, and such as are In the sea, and all that are in
them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and
power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the
Lamb for ever and ever" (Rev. 5:13).
The Bible makes it clear that God is the one Supreme Ruler of
this world and all the universe. It is He who rules in the heavens,
and it is He who is sovereign over the earth.
What position does David attribute to God? What posses-
sions? 1 Chron. 29:10, 11.
These words of David are part of a prayer he offered at the
time that he presented to his son Solomon the plans for a temple
in Jerusalem. David had indicated what he had prepared for the
temple and what he had given, and he called upon the people
also to be generous with their offerings. This they were; and
every one was happy at the results (verse 9). This prayer is one of
the most beautiful in the Old Testament, and it represents how
devout people feel when they stand in the presence of God.
Words are hardly adequate to express all the supreme qualities
that God possesses.
By contrast, how does David portray himself and his
people? 1 Chron. 29:14-19.
Man has nothing in himself, but in God he has everything! Yet
he has one obligation, to keep God's commandments and stat-
utes (verse 19). The Supreme Ruler is the Supreme Benefactor if
we are faithful to Him.
What control does Daniel say that God has over rulers in this
world? Dan. 4:17.
Although the world is in rebellion against God, the time is
coming when the forces of evil will be overthrown and God will
take complete control. (See Rev. 11:15.)
What will Jesus do when He returns as King? Matt. 25:31-34.
THINK IT THROUGH
If God is the Supreme Ruler of the world, why does He permit
so much misery and injustice?
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 180;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 305.
18
The Lord Most High
LESSON 2
❑
Monday
October 8
Part 2
THE CREATOR
OF ALL
According to Paul how complete is God's creation?
"By him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that
are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or
dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were
created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by
him all things consist" (Col. 1;16, 17).
Paul excludes nothing from God's creation. It includes
heaven and earth; it may or may not be visible; it may be any
order of supernatural being included under such terms as
"thrones" or "principalities." Then he points out that Creation
was accomplished
through
Christ and
for
Him. That is, Christ is
the agent of Creation and its goal. (See John 1:3.) Furthermore
Christ is the One in whom all things are held together. There
could hardly be any stronger statement to indicate the com-
prehensiveness of Creation and its total dependence upon Him.
Here is a doctrine by which to test all theories of origin, all
philosophies of existence.
How does nature testify to its Creator? Ps. 19:1-6.
Only a being of infinite wisdom, power, and love could have
brought the world into being. God's works testify of this. In the
sunset, the snowflake, the rose, we can see His sense of beauty.
In the mountains that tower above, the abyss that yawns be-
neath, the seas that circle the globe, and the stars in their
circuits through limitless space, we can see something of God's
infinite power.
On what basis should man reflect his Creator? Gen. 1:26, 27.
Man himself provides the most telling picture of the Creator.
The wisdom and love of man reflect the wisdom and love of God.
Man's physical form in some small way reflects something of
the form of God. Mar's sense of justice, mercy, and truth par-
takes of the matchless and holy character of God.
But also in man may be seen the evil image of the enemy who
has sought to destroy in man the image of God. The greatest
work of the Creator is that of restoring man to His own image.
(See 1 John 3:2.)
THINK IT THROUGH
How can man express gratefulness to his Creator?
"Man was to bear God's image, both in outward resemblance
and in character.... His nature was in harmony with the will of
God.... He was holy and happy in bearing the image of God and
in perfect obedience to His
will."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 45.
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 44-51.
19
The Lord Most High
LESSON 2
❑
Tuesday
October 9
Part 3
THE INFINITE GOD
In what respects may God be declared to be infinite?
"Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is
infinite" (Ps. 147:5).
"0 the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowl-
edge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his
ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the
Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?" (Rom. 11:33, 34).
Since man is finite, he cannot grasp the meaning of infinity.
But he can begin to feel its magnitude when he thinks of all the
knowledge in the world, both past and present, and recognizes
that God has comprehended it all. We bow today before the
superior knowledge of authorities in fields of learning, but God
is the authority of authorities. When we think of how narrow a
field is included in the expertise of the expert, and how vast the
area of possible exploration, then we begin to marvel at a God
who has the expertise of an innumerable number of experts,
and that there is no area of which He is not an expert. In
speaking this way we are but using human terms. God's knowl-
edge is infinite, and we cannot but bow before such a God in
utter humility.
How does this Infinite God relate to you and me? Jer. 31:3.
However complex our problem may be, God can unravel it.
However difficult I may be to understand, God can enter into the
deepest recesses of my mind and appreciate every nuance of
my thinking and feeling. There is nothing too difficult for Him.
And since He loves us with an everlasting, unfathomable love,
we can commit our ways to Him with absolute confidence that
he will work everything out for our best interests.
"If you come to God, feeling helpless and dependent, as you
really are, and in humble, trusting prayer make your wants
known to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything
in creation and who governs everything by His will and word, He
can and will attend to your cry, and will let light shine into your
heart and all around you; for through sincere prayer your soul is
brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite."—
Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 323.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is the Infinity of God important to man?
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 431-435;
Education,
pp. 169, 170;
Counsels to Teachers,
p. 66.
20
The Lord Most High
LESSON 2
❑
Wednesday
October 10
Part 4
THE ALL-POWERFUL
GOD
What manifestations of God's power does Paul state in
Ephesians 1:19-21?
"What is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward
who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead,
and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far
above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion,
and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also
in that which is to come" (Eph. 1:19-21).
Note that God manifests His power to "us-ward," that is, in the
direction of our interests. If our all-powerful God left us to our
own devices, His power would mean nothing to us.
Contrast how man has treated Jesus with the way God raised
Him from the dead. Left to his own devices, man does not know
what is to his best interests. Man rejected Christ (see John 1:11),
but God has made Christ the means of man's salvation.
Infinitely greater than any power of earth is the power of God.
He is the Source of all power in the heavens or in the earth. The
power of the mightiest sun or the almost unbelievable power in
the smallest atom has its origin in Him. The power in the minds
and bodies of men came from Him and is sustained by Him.
Where can we find indisputable evidences of God's power?
Rom. 1:19, 20.
As we ponder upon the infinite power of God, we stand before
Him with awe and reverence. "By his spirit he hath garnished
the heavens.... Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a
portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can
understand?" (Job 26:13, 14).
How can man receive power to accomplish his daily tasks?
Isa. 40:29-31.
What special power is available to every Christian? Acts
1:8.
THINK IT THROUGH
If infinite power is available to us, why are we so slow to
appropriate it?
"Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of
which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of
making the service of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish
and a plain path before their' feet."—The
Ministry of Healing,
p. 481.
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 416, 417, 481;
Patriarchs and
Prophets,
p. 116.
21
The Lord Most High
LESSON 2
❑
Thursd
ay
October 11
Part 5
THE JUDGE OF
ALL THE EARTH
What did Abraham hint to God about His judgments?
"That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the
righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as
the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the
earth do right?" (Gen. 18:25).
Abraham was concerned about the safety of Lot, his nephew,
now living in Sodom. Would God destroy a righteous man and
his family along with the wicked? It seemed unthinkable. Yet
what evidence was there that this would not happen? The story
in Genesis 18 shows us Abraham pleading with his heavenly
visitcr—who was Christ—that God would not destroy a whole
city for the sake of ten righteous people in it.
The heart of man calls for justice to be done to all, to the
righteous as well as the wicked. As it is right for the wicked to be
condemned, so it is also right for the righteous to be freed from
condemnation.
While the Bible teaches that God is the Creator and the Su-
preme Ruler of the universe, it also teaches that He is the
Supreme Judge who will exercise His saving grace in behalf of
the salvation of the righteous and mete out final judgment upon
the wicked and rebellious.
How will the world be judged and by whom? Acts 17:31.
On what basis will Jesus judge men and divide them into two
groups? Matt. 25:32-46.
"Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have
known little of theology, but they have cherished His principles.
Through the influence of the divine Spirit they have been a
blessing to those about them. Even among the heathen are
those who have cherished the spirit of kindness; before the
words of life had fallen upon their ears, they have befriended the
missionaries, even ministering to them at the peril of their own
lives. Among the heathen are those who worship God ignor-
antly, those to whom the light is never brought by human in-
strumentality, yet they will not perish. Though ignorant of the
written law of God, they have heard His voice speaking to them
in nature, and have done
the
things that the law required. Their
works are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts,
and they are recognized as the children of God."—The
Desire of
Ages,
p. 638.
THINK IT THROUGH
What makes Christ supremely qualified to judge?
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 479-485.
22
The Lord Most High
LESSON 2
❑
Friday
October 12
Part 6
THE ACCEPTED GOD
THINK IT THROUGH
What condition does God say will obtain on the earth in due
time?
"They shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and
every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all
know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them,
saith the Lord" (Jer. 31:34).
God has made it clear that His efforts for the restoration of this
earth from rebellion to loyalty will succeed. The iniquity of this
world will ultimately destroy it, and this old world of evil will be
replaced by a new world of righteousness. Christ's sacrifice for
sinners will not be in vain. This world created by God will be
restored to its original purpose. Man created in the image of
God will be morally re-created in that image.
In ancient times God gave Abraham the promise, "In thee
shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 12:3). Because of
his fidelity Abraham became the forerunner of many faithful
witnesses who would turn multitudes to God. "Faithful among
the faithless, uncorrupted by the prevailing apostasy, he stead-
fastly adhered to the worship of the one true
God."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
p. 125.
"Wherever he pitched his tent, close beside it was set up his
altar, calling all within his encampment to the morning and
evening sacrifice. When his tent was removed, the altar re-
mained. In following years, there were those among the roving
Canaanites who received instruction from Abraham; and
whenever one of these came to that altar, he knew who had
been there before him; and when he had pitched his tent, he
repaired the altar, and there worshiped the living God."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 128.
By what process were the disciples at Pentecost, and their
listeners, led to accept God and His full salvation? Acts 2:1-41.
Note the following steps:
1.
The disciples were united in aims and purposes.
2.
They were endowed with the Holy Spirit.
3.
They spoke in such a way that they communicated effec-
tively their message.
4.
People's hearts were touched.
5.
People were told what to do, and they did it.
What evidence do we have today of the effective ministry of
the Spirit of God?
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 35-46.
23
LESSON 3 October 14-20
"0 the depth of the riches both of
the wisdom and knowledge of God!
how unsearchable are his judgments,
and his ways past finding out! For who
hath known the mind of the Lord? or
who hath been his counsellor? ... For
of him, and through him, and to him,
are all things: to whom be glory for
ever. Amen" (Rom. 11:33-36).
The nature of God is a mystery,
seeing He far transcends man. It is
impossible for man, with his finite
mind, to grasp the infinite. All that he
knows about God is what God has
revealed.
In this lesson we seek to learn what
is revealed about the Godhead. In this
way we are learning about our
wonderful God. We approach the
subject with reverence and with a
recognition that in matters that are not
revealed we have no right to
speculate. Butwhat has been revealed
is for us and our children.
"Man cannot by searching find out
God. . . . No mortal mind can
penetrate the secrecy in which the
Mighty One dwells and works. Only
that which he sees fit to reveal can we
comprehend of Him. Reason must
acknowledge an authority superior to
itself. Heart and intellect must bow to
the great I
AM."—Testimonies,
vol. 8,
pp. 285, 286.
The oneness of God was declared in
the days of Moses in the words:
"Hear, 0 Israel: The Lord our God is
one Lord" (Deut. 6:4). Jesus quoted
this and said that it was the first
commandment of all. (See Mark
12:29.) The Christian faith is therefore
monotheistic.
Yet Jesus told His disciples to
baptize "in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"
(Matt. 28:19). This indicates that there
are three persons in one. Jesus taught
his disciples to address God as "Our
Father" (Matt. 6:9). He addressed God
as His Father. (See John 11:41.) At His
baptism the Holy Spirit in the form of a
dove descended upon Him. (See Matt.
3:16.) A voice from heaven spoke and
said, "This is my beloved Son, in
whom I am well pleased" (verse 17).
These texts and others lead us to
believe that our wonderful God is
three persons in one, a mind-boggling
mystery, but a truth that we accept by
faith because it has been revealed in
Scripture.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The True God
(Deut. 6:4)
2.
Three Persons
(Matt. 28:19)
3.
God the Father
(Matt. 6:9)
4.
God the Son
(John 1:14, 18)
5.
God the Holy Spirit
(2 Cor. 13:14)
6.
The Mystery of the Godhead
(1 Tim. 3:16)
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
LESSON 3
❑
Sunday
October 14
Part 1
THE TRUE GOD
THINK IT THROUGH
"Hear, 0 Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord" (Deut. 6:4).
Down through history men have worshiped many gods. But
there is only one Supreme Deity.
"In striking contrast to the nations about them, who were
polytheists, the Hebrews believed in one true God. This profes-
sion of faith has been the watchword of the Hebrew race for
more than 3,000 years
(see
Mark 12:29). The apostle Paul states
the same truth as a tenet of Christianity (1 Cor. 8:4-6; Eph.
4:4-6)."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
1, p. 974.
How may the true God be characterized? Isa. 43:1, 11, 15.
The true God is Creator and Redeemer. He is the One who
brought all things into existence in the first place. And He is the
One who has provided a way of salvation for fallen man. He is
able to tell the end from the beginning. God has perfect
knowledge—He knows the past, the present, and the future. It
may be conceived that a superior person would know a great
deal about the past and the present. But when it comes to the
future, only God can penetrate its mysteries and know exactly
what will happen. The confirmation of prophecy in its fulfillment
is the evidence of its divine source. Only one being is such a
God.
In what other way than through Scripture can I know about
God? Rom. 1:20.
Nature speaks to us of God. (See Ps. 19:1.) It tells us that there
is a God who brought it into being, because it did not create
itself. It also tells us about the greatness of God, because only
the true God could have brought into being the vast universe
with all its galaxy of stars. Only the true God could have de-
signed all the aspects of nature with its infinite detail and mi-
croscopic structure. There can be nothing more salutary to man
than to look beyond nature to the true God and to worship Him
who made the stars and the world and everything that is in it.
If God is good—and He is!—and He has created all things
well—and He did!—how is it that there is so much violence In
nature?
"God made man perfectly holy and happy; and the fair earth,
as it came from the Creator's hand, bore no blight of decay or
shadow of the curse. It is transgression of God's law—the law of
love—that has brought woe and death. Yet even amid the suffer-
ing that results from sin, God's love is revealed."—Steps
to
Christ,
p. 9.
RJRTHER STUDY
Education,
pp. 99-101.
26
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
LESSON 3
❑
Monday
October 15
Part 2
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
THREE PERSONS in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost" (Matt. 28:19).
In this baptismal formula it is notable that the word "name" is
in the singular, and then there follows the names, Father, Son,
Holy Spirit. Is this a hint of three in one?
The word "persons" used in the title of today's lesson must be
understood in a theological sense. If we equate human person-
ality with God, then we would say that three persons means
three individuals. But then we would have three Gods, or tri-
theism. Historic Christianity has given to the word "person,"
when used of God, a special connotation: a personal self-
distinction, which gives distinctiveness in the persons of the
Godhead without destroying the concept of oneness. This idea
is not easy to grasp—or to explain! It is part of the mystery of the
Godhead. It is this revelation which makes the monotheism of
Christianity different from that of Judaism or Islam.
What hints do we have in the Old Testament of a trinity?
(Gen. 1:1-3.)
The Hebrew word for God in this passage is
Elohim,
a plural
form. Yet the verb
bara, "created," is in the singular form. God
speaks, that is, He uses the Word, in creation. (See John 1:1.)
And the Spirit of God "moved upon the face of the waters." Here
there seems to be an indication of, at least, more than one
person. Note also the use of "us" and "our" in this pronounce-
ment, "Let us
make man in
our
image" (Gen. 1:26). Some have
suggested that this is the "we" of royalty, but it would seem
strange for Deity to address Himself, or that He would be as-
sociating other created beings in the creation of man. It seems
more reasonable to accept this as a hint of persons in the
Godhead planning a common strategy.
The Old Testament makes reference to the Angel of the Lord,
a being who is referred to as having the attributes of God.
(Compare the story of Hagar in Genesis 16:7-13 and Genesis
48:16, where Jacob refers to the Angel as having redeemed
him.) The Messianic promise is of a Son whose names apply to
Deity (Isa. 9:6). The Holy Spirit is also mentioned. (See Isa. 11:2;
42:1.) The concept of the Trinity is far from being developed, but
the elements seem to be there.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what way does the concept of the Trinity help us to see
how God is love?
FURTHER STUDY
Evangelism,
pp. 614-617.
27
3-A.L. 4-79
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
LESSON 3
❑
Tuesday
October 16
Part 3
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in
GOD THE FATHER heaven, Hallowed be thy name" (Matt. 6:9).
Jesus taught His disciples to address God as their Father. He
made the relationship very personal. They could have this rela-
tionship because they were born again. But to those who be-
lieved on Jesus, to them was given power "to become the sons
of God" (John 1:12).
What vision did Daniel have of God the Father? Dan. 7:9,10.
"The Ancient of Days is God the Father.... It is He, the source
of all being, and the fountain of all law, that is to preside in the
judgment. And holy angels as ministers and witnesses, . . .
attend this great tribunal."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 479.
Such a picture of the Father should strike one with awe. Our
Father loves us with an everlasting love, but we must ever be
careful not to be unduly familiar with Him. The hymn expresses
it beautifully:
"Before Jehovah's awful throne,
Ye nations bow with sacred joy;
Know that the Lord is God alone;
He can create, and He destroy."
—Isaac Watts,
Church Hymnal,
no. 1.
Who is the express image of the Father? Heb. 1:2, 3.
Sometimes we misunderstand the Father by forgetting that
Jesus came to reveal His Father; we must remember that when
we see Jesus in His sacrifice and love we are also seeing the
Father at work. We must never separate the work of one from
the work of the other. God is not demanding, and Jesus plead-
ing. They both demand and They both plead.
"Christ came to reveal God to the world as a God of love, full
of mercy, tenderness, and compassion. The thick darkness with
which Satan had endeavored to enshroud the throne of Deity
was swept away by the world's Redeemer, and the Father was
again manifest to men as the light of
life."—Testimonies,
vol. 5,
pp. 738, 739.
The world is at enmity with God because it misunderstands
Him. It is for us to change that conception by being God's
ambassadors. (See 2 Cor. 5:17-21.)
THINK IT THROUGH
How do you and Igo about telling the world that God is love?
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 737-746.
28
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
LESSON 3
❑
Wednesday
October 17
Part 4
GOD THE SON
THINK IT THROUGH
"The Word became flesh; he came to dwell among us, and
we saw his glory, such glory as befits the Father's only Son,
full of grace and truth."
"No one has ever seen God; but God's only Son, he who is
nearest to the Father's heart, he has made him known" (John
1:14, 18, NEB).
John wants us to be sure that in Jesus, the Son of the living
God, we recognize full Deity. He was God incarnate. (Read
verses 1-4.) He was one with the Father and existed with Him
from eternity.
How did the Jews show that they understood the claim of
Jesus to deity? John 5:18. (See Mathew 22:43, 44.)
What was the relationship of Jesus to the Holy Spirit? John
15:26.
Jesus said that He would send the Comforter. In another
passage He says that the Father will send the Comforter (John
14:26). Thus there seems to be perfect collaboration between
the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
What was the close working relationship between the Fa-
ther and the Son? John 5:19-22.
It is interesting to note that the Father and the Son not only
work together, but They assume parallel functions. The Father
raises the dead; so does the Son, and He gives life to whom He
will. As for judgment, the Father seems to have given this au-
thority to the Son, so that there will be mutual honor. (See verse
23.) Everlasting life is dependent on hearing what Jesus says
and believing in the Father (verse 24). Both Father and Son have
life in Themselves (verse 26).
After the resurrection, what did Thomas call the risen
Christ? John 20:28.
There was no doubt in Thomas's mind about the deity of
Christ—after he had examined Christ's scars. Jesus told
Thomas that he had been given the privilege of the direct touch
in order to believe. Then Jesus commended as blessed those
who do not have the privilege of visual contact and yet believe
(verse 29).
What have you read in the Scriptures so far to indicate
clearly that the oneness between the Father and the Son must
not negate the distinctiveness of Their persons?
RJRTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 207-213.
29
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
LESSON 3
❑
Thursday
October 18
Part 5
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
GOD THE and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen"
HOLY SPIRIT (2 Cor. 13:14).
This threefold benediction shows that in the days of the apos-
tles the doctrine of the Trinity was fairly well understood and
accepted. It was for later centuries to work out philosophical
and other aspects of the teaching, but the main ideas were
already present with the apostolic church.
What part did the Holy Spirit have in the birth and baptism of
Jesus? Luke 1:35; 3:22.
Notice that in both of these verses reference is made to the
Three Persons of the Godhead.
What evidence is there that the Holy Spirit is a person and
not a mere influence?
The Spirit speaks (1 Tim. 4:1). The Spirit makes intercession
(Rom. 8:26). The Spirit invites (Rev. 22:17). These are all ac-
tivities of a person. Furthermore, Paul warns us not to grieve the
Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30).
"The Holy Spirit is Christ's representative, but divested of the
personality of humanity, and independent thereof. Cumbered
with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally.
Therefore it was for their interest that He should go to the
Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth. No one
could then have any advantage because of his location or his
personal contact with Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour would be
accessible to all. In this sense He would be nearer to them than if
HeThad not ascended on high."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 669.
?f
-
What important function does the Holy Spirit serve in the
church? Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Cor. 12:28.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why do we not have a greater manifestation of the Spirit in
the church than we do?
"We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us.
Through the Spirit God works in His people 'to will and to do of
His good pleasure.' Phil. 2:13. But many will not submit to this.
They want to manage themselves. This is why they do not re-
ceive the heavenly gift. Only to those who wait humbly upon
God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit
given."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 672.
FURTHER SWOT
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 671, 672;
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp.
47-56.
30
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
LESSON 3
❑
Friday
October 19
Part 6
"Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God
THE MYSTERY was manifest in the flesh, justified in Spirit, seen of angels,
OF THE GODHEAD preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received
up into glory" (1 Tim. 3:16).
Paul is impressed with the fact that there are many mysterious
aspects of Christian teaching. A mystery is not an impenetrable
secret, but a secret that is made known only to the initiated. A
man must first be willing to accept the evidence placed before
him. He must be open to receive the light that comes his way.
What basic element is necessary as we approach the truths
revealed in the Bible? Heb. 11:6.
There are many aspects of God's nature that we cannot un-
derstand; nor should we expect to understand them, since God
far transcends man, and man's powers of understanding are
limited by the capacity of his mind. Nevertheless it is important
to believe what has been revealed.
The monotheistic religions other than Christianity tend to
limit God by a human concept of oneness. Yet even in the
common walk of life we recognize the difference between sim-
ple and complex forms of life. How shall amoebas understand
man? and how shall man understand God? Why could not the
complexity of the Godhead include the concept of three per-
sons without destroying unity in a way that is beyond man's
ken? We must avoid any view that limits God or makes Him what
He is not.
Why is it important to know God insofar as He has been
revealed? John 17:3.
The Christian is what he is because he has accepted the
revelation of God in the Bible, and he knows that he lives under
the protection and guidance of a wonderful God who is prepar-
ing a wonderful future for him.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why has the Christian church throughout the centuries in-
sisted on belief in a three-in-one God?
"The Father is all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and is
invisible to mortal sight.
"The Son is all the fullness of the Godhead manifested....
"The Comforter that Christ promised to send after He as-
cended to heaven, isthe Spirit in all the fullness of the Godhead,
making manifest the power of divine grace to all who receive
and believe in Christ as a personal Saviour."—Evangelism, pp.
614, 615.
31
LESSON 4 October 21-27
Emmanuel-
God With Us
"Behold, a virgin shall be with child,
and shall bring forth a son, and they
shall call his name Emmanuel, which
being interpreted is, God with us"
(Matt. 1:23).
Man needed God and God earnestly
sought the return of His wayward
children. That was why God came to
earth. Without His coming, man was
eternally doomed. By His coming,
every one who accepts H inn is eternally
saved.
God came to earth in a vastly
different form from that in which man
expected Him. Not even God's chosen
people looked for the Saviour to come
in poverty and humility. They looked
for greatness above goodness, for
majesty above meekness, for power
above poverty, for stateliness above
sacrifice.
But the world was not really looking
for God. It had no idea what God was
like. When the world saw God, it
rejected Him.
Emmanuel, however, was God in
the truest and fullest sense. He was
God in heart and God in everyday life.
He was the embodiment of all the love
of God and the revelation of all His
goodness.
This was Jesus, the son of Mary, the
Son of God—Emmanuel.
"Satan has been revealed as man's
enemy and destroyer; Christ, as man's
friend and deliverer. His Spirit will
develop in man all that will ennoble
the character and dignify the nature. It
will build man up for the glory of God
in body and soul and spirit. . . .
"And souls that have been degraded
into instruments of Satan are still
through the power of Christ
transformed into messengers of
righteousness."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 341.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Word of God
(John 1:1-5)
2.
The World's Creator
(John 1:3, 10)
3.
Christ and the Father
(John 3:16, 17)
4.
God Made Flesh
(1 Tim. 3:16)
5.
The World's Redeemer
(Rev. 5:9)
6.
The Exaltation of the Son
(Phil. 2:9-11)
Emmanuel-God With Us
LESSON 4
❑
Sunday
October 21
Part 1
THE WORD
OF GOD
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
By what name does John introduce Jesus in the beginning
of his Gospel?
"When all things began, the Word already was. The Word
dwelt with God, and what God was, the Word was. The Word,
then, was with God at the beginning, and through him all
things came to be; no single thing was created without him. All
that came to be was alive with his life, and that life was the
light of men. The light shines on in the dark, and the darkness
has never mastered it" (John 1:1-5, NEB).
John's language is simple but very deep. One needs to study
these verses in great detail in order to draw out the full meaning.
For instance, do you fully understand the expression "Word"?
Do you see how important the "Word" is? We really do not know
Jesus unless we recognize His divinity, His part in Creation, His
relation to the Father, and what He has done for man.
Jesus is the Word of God. The Word is an expression of God.
Through Jesus God expressed Himself to angels and to men. In
Jesus is found the expression of the inmost, the dearest, the
most vital, the most enduring thoughts of God. Jesus is so
completely identified with His Father that He can be considered
as His word.
When Philip wanted Jesus to reveal the Father, what an-
swer did Jesus give? John 14:9.
When we become acquainted with Jesus, we become ac-
quainted with God. If we desire to become acquainted with the
love, the goodness, the ways of God, there is no better way to do
this than to become acquainted with Christ. He is God's very
word, a perfect expression of His Father.
How do we know that the Father and the Son are distinct
persons? Matt. 3:17; John 20:17.
Because of the complete identification between God and
Jesus, between Father and Son, there are those who look upon
Them as one and the same person. But that is not true. Jesus
was a perfect expression of God, but He was a separate person
from the Father.
Why did Philip, why would anyone, want to see the Father?
Education,
pp. 73-77.
34
Emmanuel-God With Us
LESSON 4
❑
Monday
October 22
Part 2
THE WORLD'S
CREATOR
According to John, who was the divine Person who created
the world?
"All things were made by him; and without him was not
anything made that was made."
"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and
the world knew him not" (John 1:3, 10).
Christ's creation of the world was an event of outstanding
importance to every human being, to all created beings.
"It was Christ that spread the heavens, and laid the founda-
tions of the earth. It was His hand that hung the worlds in space,
and fashioned the flowers of the field.... It was He that filled the
earth with beauty, and the air with song. And upon all things in
earth, and air, and sky, He wrote the message of the Father's
love."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 20.
"When God said to His Son, 'Let us make man in our image,'
Satan was jealous of Jesus. He wished to be consulted concern-
ing the formation of man, and because he was not, he was filled
with envy, jealousy, and hatred. . . .
"Until this time all heaven had been in order, harmony, and
perfect subjection to the government of God."—Early
Writings,
p. 145. Now, however, the harmony of heaven was broken.
Satan was cast out to take up his abode in the newly created
world, purposing to carry his rebellion throughout the universe.
Man, created in the image of God, was enticed into disobedi-
ence. He lost his innocence and happiness and was doomed to
suffer the penalty of death.
God, however, still loved the world that had rebelled against
Him. A plan was devised whereby man could be reclaimed from
sin and restored to loyalty and holiness. Jesus came to the world
to save it.
What was the tragic reception given to Jesus when He
came? John 1:11.
The scene is beyond understanding, almost beyond belief.
Here was something that must not be, that just could not hap-
pen, but it did. The Creator of the world was rejected by the
world He had come to save!
Why does the world reject Christ? John 7:7.
THINK IT THROUGH
If Jesus knew He would be rejected by men, why did He
come?
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 44-51.
35
Emmanuel-God With Us
LESSON 4
❑
Tuesday
October 23
Part 3
CHRIST AND
THE FATHER
What were the motivation and purpose of Christ's coming to
our world as a man?
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to
condemn the world; but that the world through him might be
saved" (John 3:16, 17).
In the plan for man's salvation from sin, there was complete
unity between the Father and the Son. Both loved the world.
Both gave Themselves to carry through the plan for man's
redemption agreed upon before the foundation of the world.
God sent the Son and the Son volunteered to go. The result of
this unity of purpose and effort was the death of Jesus on the
cross and the offer of eternal salvation for man.
What facts did Jesus present to show the close unity that
exists between Him and the Father? John 10: 15, 17, 30, 36.
In the relationship between the Father and the Son there is
always the closest possible unity in all things. This is true in
thought and purpose, in plan and effort.
Jesus said, "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). "The
Father is in me, and I in him" (John 10:38). "He that hath seen
me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9).
Why does Jesus reflect so perfectly the will and character of
the Father? Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3.
In the creation of the world, Father and Son worked together.
"God ... created all things by Jesus Christ" (Eph. 3:9). "There is
but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him;
and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by
him" (1 Cor. 8:6).
"The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does
not destroy the personality of either. They are one in purpose, in
mind, in character, but not in person. It is thus that God and
Christ are
one."—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 269.
THINK IT THROUGH
What implications does the unity of the Father and the Son
have for us if we are in Christ?
"Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that
men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is
that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in
subjection to God as he was."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 664.
FURTHER STUDY
That I May Know Him,
p. 38;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 36,
37, 40.
36
Emmanuel-God With Us
LESSON 4
❑
Wednesday
October 24
Part 4
What change did God the Son accept when he came into the
GOD MADE world?
FLESH
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and
blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that
through death he might destroy him that had the power of
death, that is, the devil" (Heb. 2:14). (See also 1:1, 2; 2:8.)
It is a great mystery that the God of heaven appeared on earth
in the form of human flesh. (See 1 Tim. 3:16.) The God who
created the world made the dust which composes the earth.
God formed man of the dust. Yet God became man when He
came to earth. That mystery is the very heart of Christianity.
What prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born? Matt.
1:21-23. (See Isa. 7:14.)
No more joyful or important tidings could have come to man.
God was to come down from heaven to earth to live as a human
being. The Son of God was to become the Son of man so that
children of earth might again become sons of God. "As many as
received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of
God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12). Divin-
ity became humanity in order that sinful humanity might be
accepted by God and restored in His image.
Why did Jesus come to. this earth? 2 Cor. 5:21.
Jesus came to earth at a time when men had sunk to the
lowest depths of vice and iniquity. He took on human flesh after
it had been weakened by thousands of years of wickedness. But
never once did He yield to sin; never once was He overcome by
the powers of evil. He came both to die for men and to show
them how to live by the aid of His divine power. As He was
victorious against the powers of evil, so He wanted men to know
that they also might be victorious.
"He gave His only-begotten Son to come to earth, to take the
nature of man, not only for the brief years of life, but to retain his
nature in the heavenly courts, an everlasting pledge of the
faithfulness of God. 0 the depth of the riches both of the wis-
dom and love of God! 'Behold, what manner of love the Father
hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of
God' (1 John
3:1)."—Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p. 258.
Christ will retain His humanity forever. He will always be God,
and He will always continue to be man.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why might one think it could have been harder for Jesus to
live on earth than for you and me?
FURTHER STUDY
That I May Know Him,
pp. 25, 33, 66;
S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary,
vol. 5, pp. 1127, 1128.
37
Emmanuel-God With Us
LESSON 4
❑
Thursday
October 25
Part 5
THE WORLD'S
REDEEMER
What song will the redeemed sing of Christ when
the
conflict
over sin is ended?
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and
riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and
blessing" (Rev. 5:12).
This is the chorus of praise and victory sung by the redeemed
as they stand about the throne at Christ's final coronation. (See
The Great Controversy,
p. 671.) The saints are there because
Christ has redeemed them from death. They were sinners,
doomed to eternal death. But now they enjoy eternal life and
glory because Jesus has paid the price for their redemption.
That price was His life and blood. He died that man might live.
He gave up all that they might inherit all. He came from heaven
in order that heaven might be theirs eternally. He came from
heaven to earth that earth itself might become heaven. He left
His position on the throne with His Father that they might reign
in glory. Now Jesus, crowned universal King, is accorded the
universal acclaim He rightly deserves.
How has man been redeemed? 1 Peter 1:18, 19.
Christ is the "lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the
world" (John 1:29). He is the provision that God had made
before the creation of the world (1 Peter 1:20; Rev. 13:8). This is
a very important concept to consider. God is not Creator first
and Redeemer second. He did not become Redeemer after
Adam had sinned. He planned for redemption before creating
man. It is not that we want to limit God by a time factor, but it is
important to recognize in God an eternal Redeemer as well as
an eternal Creator.
Satan laid hold to the claim, "prince of this world." Jesus
came to earth to dispute that claim and to redeem man from the
enemy's hold. As He faced the cross, He said, " 'Now is the hour
of judgement for this world; now shall the Prince of this world
be driven out. And I shall draw all men to myself, when I am lifted
up from the earth.' This he said to indicate the kind of death he
was to die" (John 12:31-33, NEB).
Christ's death on the cross purchased eternal life to the righ-
teous and insured a just judgment for the wicked. The hour of
man's redemption by the blood of Christ was the world's great
hour of destiny.
THINK IT THROUGH Why Is it that only Christ could pay the price of redemption?
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, pp. 308-310.
38
Emmanuel-God With Us
LESSON 4
❑
Friday
October 26
Part 6
In view of what Christ has done for us, how should we
THE EXALTATION respond to Him?
OF THE SON
"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him
a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in
earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God
the Father" (Phil. 2:9-11).
Paul makes it clear that Christ had come from highest heaven
to the lowest depths of earthly humiliation. But God could not
leave it that way and be just. Jesus now occupies an exalted
position, a position which is eminently His due, a position that
everyone will recognize.
It is notable that in the world people often fight their way to
preeminence. This is not true of Christ. People bow in humble
submission to Christ because they find in Him a love that excites
wonder, surrender, and adoration.
What will the Lamb do for the victorious saints? Rev. 7:17.
"All who have borne with Jesus the cross of sacrifice will be
sharers with Him of His glory. It was the joy of Christ in His
humiliation and pain that His disciples should be glorified with
Him. They are the fruit of His self-sacrifice. The outworking in
them of His own character and spirit is His reward, and will be
his joy throughout eternity. This joy they share with Him as the
fruit of their labor and sacrifice is seen in other hearts and lives.
They are workers together with Christ, and the Father will honor
them as He honors His Son."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 624.
Jesus served the world, but the world rejected Him. Jesus was
cast out by the world, but God received Him to glory. He, whom
men hated and shunned, God loved and placed on the throne of
the universe to receive universal acclaim.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can we best serve and honor Christ In this life?
"No one was so exalted as Christ, and yet He stooped to the
humblest duty. That His people might not be misled by the
selfishness which dwells in the natural heart, and which
strengthens by self-serving, Christ Himself set the example of
humility.... While they [the disciples] were contending for the
highest place, He to whom every knee shall bow, He whom the
angels of glory count it an honor to serve, bowed down to wash
the feet of those who called Him Lord. He washed the feet of His
betrayer."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 649.
FURTHER STUDY
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, pp. 1053, 1054;
The Great
Controversy,
pp. 666, 669-671.
39
LESSON 5 October 28 to November 3
The Holy One
"One cried unto another, and said,
Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts:
the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isa.
6:3).
Some Bible scholars see in this
threefold ascription of holiness an
intimation of the Three Persons of the
Godhead. Be that as it may, a triple
repetition of a characteristic must
mean an emphasis.
In this lesson we shall try to discover
what is meant by the holiness of God.
It seems to be an attribute that
distinguishes Him from all other gods.
It stands for a high moral perfection
that sets Him apart from all others. All
Three Persons are called holy—the
Father (John 17:11), the Son (Acts
4:30), and, of course, the Holy Spirit.
Because God is holy, heaven is holy;
and everywhere that God is, is
holy—whether it is ground, a
mountain, the temple, or the New
Jerusalem. God has attributes that are
incommunicable, that are part of His
Godhead, such as omniscience and
immortality. But holiness is an
attribute that He not only
communicates, but desires should be
communicated. Thus His people are to
be a holy people.
Because God is holy, His law is holy,
and just, and food (Rom. 7:12). The
law is a transcript of His character and
so cannot be changed. It is the
standard by which holiness and
righteousness can be measured.
There is one day in the week which
God has hallowed, the seventh
day—the Sabbath. We are
admonished to remember it and to
keep it holy. This means that we do not
follow our own types of work, but we
seek to do God's work. Jesus set the
example of going about doing good on
the Sabbath, thus showing us that it is
lawful to do good on that day.
God calls us with a high and a holy
calling (2 Tim. 1:9). We are called to be
saints, that is, God's holy people. In
fact, holiness in terms of perfection is
what God is seeking to complete in us
so that He can take us into His
kingdom (2 Peter 3:14). This is a grace
that is possible only through Christ,
who said that He sanctified Himself in
order that we might be holy (John
17:19).
What a wonderful God we worship,
a Holy God, whom we have the
privilege of worshiping "in the beauty
of holiness" (Ps. 29:2).
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
A Holy God
(Ex. 15:11)
2.
Holy Places
(Ex. 3:5)
3.
A Holy Law
(Rom. 7:12)
4.
A Holy Day
(Gen. 2:3)
5.
A Holy Calling
(2 Tim. 1:9)
6.
Holiness Through Christ
(John 17:19)
The Holy One
LESSON 5
❑
Sunday
October 28
Part 1
A HOLY GOD
"Who is like unto thee, 0 Lord, among the gods? who is like
thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?"
(Ex. 15:11).
This verse is part of a song of victory that was sung by Moses
and the children of Israel after they had crossed the Red Sea and
witnessed the destruction of the Egyptian armies. While they
had
been
in Egypt, they had seen many gods. They had seen the
gods put to shame by the plagues that had been called down
because the Egyptians would not let the children of, Israel go.
But now they had witnessed how God can work on behalf of His
people. He not only did wonders, but He was "glorious in holi-
ness." What does this expression mean?
The key idea seems to be separateness, and as applied to God
means that He transcends His created works. He is the Supreme
Diety to whom nothing can be equal. To worship any other is to
worship the lesser one, and that is sinful. Holiness also has a
moral quality and suggests that God is morally excellent. Fin-
layson says: "Since holiness embraces every distinctive attri-
bute of Godhead, it may be defined as the outshining of all that
God is. As the sun's rays, combining all the colours of the
spectrum, come together in the sun's shining and blend into
light, so in His self-manifestation all the attributes of God come
together and blend into holiness."—J. D. Douglas, ed.,
The New
Bible Dictionary
(Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub-
lishing Co., 1962), p. 530.
What words did Jesus use to address the Father? With what
words did the disciples speak of Jesus? John 17:11; Acts 4:30.
The Holy Spirit has the adjective used with His name, and thus
all Three Persons of the Godhead are called holy.
What word did Mary, the mother of Jesus, use to refer to
God's name? Luke 1:49.
How careful should we be in the use of God's name? Ex.
20:7.
"This commandment not only prohibits false oaths and
common swearing, but it forbids us to use the name of God in a
light or careless manner, without regard to its awful signifi-
cance. By
the
thoughtless mention of God in common conver-
sation, by appeals to Him in trivial matters, and by the frequent
and thoughtless repetition of His name, we dishonor Him."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 306, 307.
THINK IT THROUGH
What are the proper occasions when we can use the name
of God?
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"What to Do With Doubt," pp. 108-110.
42
The Holy One
LESSON 5
❑
Monday
October 29
Part 2
"Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for
HOLY PLACES the place whereon thou standest is holy ground" (Ex. 3:5).
Moses was commanded to show respect in the presence of
God. In those days reverence was shown by taking off one's
shoes. This custom still prevails in some parts of the world. In
other parts of the world men show respect by removing the hat,
and ladies by covering their heads. It is not the particular mode
that is important; it is the fact of reverence.
How was reverence to be shown at Mount Sinai? Ex. 19:
10-13.
God's presence can be terrifying. (See verse 18.) All nature
trembles at the presence of God, how much more should sinful
man enter into the presence of God with holy fear.
The sanctuary was to be a symbol of God's presence with His
people (Ex. 29:42, 43). It was to,be a holy place. The garments
used by the priests were holy (Ex. 39:41). All the vessels were
holy, and the altar was most holy (Ex. 40:9, 10). Wherever God is,
and whatever is dedicated to the Lord, is holy.
In the same way the temple was holy (Ps. 65:4). The New
Jerusalem is the Holy City (Rev. 21:2). All heaven is holy (Ps.
20:6).
"Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment
of all who come into the presence of God. In the name of Jesus
we may come before Him with confidence, but we must not
approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He
were on a level with ourselves."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
p. 252.
The Bible makes it clear that there is a difference between that
which is hallowed and that which is common. We ignore those
differences to our eternal loss.
"To the humble, believing soul, the house of God on earth is
the gate to heaven. . . .
.. Common talking, whispering, and laughing should not be
permitted in the house of worship, either before or after the
service. . . .
"... If when the people come into the house of worship, they
have genuine reverence for the Lord and bear in mind that they
are in His presence, there will be a sweet eloquence in
silence."—Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 491, 492.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the best way to get people to reverence the house of
God?
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 491-500.
43
4-A.L. 4-79
The Holy One
LESSON 5
❑
Tuesday
October 30
Part 3
"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy,
A HOLY LAW and just, and good" (Rom. 7:12).
Since the law points out sin, and sin brings death, it may be
thought that the law is evil. But that is not true, and Paul makes
that abundantly clear in his letter to the Romans.
Who is the author of the Ten Commandments? Ex. 20:1.
It is because God is holy, and just, and good that the com-
mandments are also holy, and just, and good. They are a tran-
script of His character.
Why do people generally dislike the laws of God? Rom. 8:7.
Anything that goes contrary to the desires of man in his fallen
nature is unpleasant to him. Man wants to be free to do what he
pleases, and what he pleases to do is often not for his own good
or for the good of others. What man needs to learn is that
transgressing the law of God means death, and if he wants to be
free to enjoy life, he must learn to live in harmony with the laws
of God.
By what two phrases does James describe God's law?
James 1:25; 2:8, 12.
James is clear in pointing out that the only path to real free-
dom is that which is bound by the law. It sounds paradoxical!
But experience has shown it to be true. Only by observing the
laws of harmony is good music composed; only by observing
the rules of the game may a race be run and won. Without law
there can only be chaos and frustration.
What was the attitude of Jesus to the law? Matt. 19:17; 5:17.
What, according to the psalmist, are some of the benefits of
keeping the law? Ps. 119:165; 19:7, 8.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is it that God's laws have not changed down through
the centuries?
"The very fact that Christ bore the penalty of man's transgres-
sion is a mighty argument to all created intelligences that the
law is changeless; that God is righteous, merciful, and self-
denying; and that infinite justice and mercy unite in the ad-
ministration of His government."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
p. 70.
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 303-314.
44
The Holy One
LESSON 5
❑
Wednesday
October 31
Part 4
A HOLY DAY
"God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because
that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and
made" (Gen. 2:3).
The weekly cycle has no relationship to any phenomenon of
nature, like the day, the month, or the year. It has its origin in a
holy God, who created the world in six days and rested the
seventh. What did God's sanctifying, or making it holy, really do
to the day? It set it apart for a holy use, for a holy communion
with a holy God.
What did Jesus say about the Sabbath and its Lord? Mark
2:27, 28.
Man has made the seventh day a day of evil omen, or a day of
fasting, or even a day of going to market, or finding one's own
pleasure. Jesus pointed out that the day "was designed to bring
men into communion with God."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 286.
Jesus showed that bringing release from sin or disease is in
harmony with the purpose of the Sabbath. A day of mere rites
and ceremonies could be wearisome, and the whole objective
of bringing good to man could be set aside by such a practice.
Of what is the Sabbath a memorial? Ex. 20:10,11; Deut. 5:15.
The fact that Deuteronomy gives another reason for the keep-
ing of the Sabbath does not negate the fact that the Sabbath is a
memorial of Creation; it points out that there may be other
reasons for keeping the Sabbath, reasons that have to do with
our deliverance from sin. There is a hint of this in the fact that
the Sabbath is a sign of sanctification. (See Ex. 31:13.) That is, it
celebrates our deliverance from the bondage of sin, our re-
demption, and our re-creation in regeneration. The Sabbath is
not only an institution of the church, but it is also a weekly sign
of a personal relationship with a holy God.
On what basis is man offered joy and happiness? Isa. 58:
13, 14.
Unless man can find pleasure in communing with a holy God
on earth, he will never enjoy communion with God in the earth
made new where the Sabbath will continue to be kept. (See Isa.
66:23.)
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is the Sabbath so important to Christians who live in the
last days of earth's history?
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 605-612.
45
The Holy One
LESSON 5
❑
Thursday
November 1
Part 5
A HOLY CALLING
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
46
"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not
according to our works, but according to his own purpose and
grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world
began" (2 Tim. 1:9).
A holy God issues a holy call. This is not on the basis that we
are "holy" or deserve to be "called." We are far from this, but by
His grace and through the merits of Jesus Christ this has been
made possible. Here we see the goodness of God and His desire
that we should share in His holiness.
By what term does the writer to the Hebrews address his
fellow Christians? Heb. 3:1.
Some Christians are reluctant to be called holy. This may be
because they have met Christians who have claimed holiness
and yet have lived lives which were far from being holy. The fact
is that the nearer we come to the pattern that Jesus has set for us
the more humble we become. We should not run away from
holiness, but we should be sure that the experience we enjoy is
genuine and God-given.
By what word does the apostle Paul address the Christians
to whom he writes? Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 1:1.
The word "saint" is not a popular word for the believer in
Christ today. For one thing it has been used to refer to outstand-
ing members of the church who have been officially canonized,
and thus cannot be used of everyone. That is why some modern
versions of the New Testament in English avoid using the word
"saint." The word "saints" is translated "his dedicated people"
(Rom. 1:7, NEB), "his own people" (Rom. 1
:7,
TEV), and "God's
holy people" (1 Cor. 1:2, TEV).
In what only did Paul find cause to glory? Gal. 6:14.
Paul lived a life that we may be proud to emulate. But the fact
is that Paul recognized that he was nothing in himself. (See Gal.
2:20.) He could glory only in the cross because that was the
symbol of the salvation that had been purchased for him, and it
was the reason why he could be what he was.
"Paul realized that his sufficiency was not in himself, but in
the presence of
the
Holy Spirit, whose gracious influence filled
his heart, bringing every thought into subjection to Christ."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 251.
How is it that some people have joined the church, keep the
Sabbath, and yet are far from being holy in their business
relationships?
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 563-567.
The Holy One
LESSON 5
❑
Friday
November 2
Part 6
"For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also may be
HOLINESS
sanctified through the truth" (John 17:19).
THROUGH
CHRIST
In praying to His Father, Jesus says that He sanctifies Himself,
or consecrates Himself
(NEB),
or dedicates Himself (TEV) so
that His disciples may be sanctified, consecrated, and dedi-
cated as well. This is an example of total commitment. A holy
God is dedicated to the cause of having a holy people. Could
anything be more appealing to produce a response of dedica-
tion?
What is God's desire for His people? Lev. 11:44, 45;1 Peter
1:16.
This is a high standard. Created in the image of God, man is to
reflect fully his Maker.
Why is this standard so important? Heb. 12:14.
God cannot let any standards down. Only the pure in heart
can see God. (See Matt. 5:8.)
"Into the city of God there will enter nothing that defiles. All
who are to be dwellers there will here have become pure in
heart. In one who is learning of Jesus, there will be manifest a
growing distaste for careless manners, unseemly language, and
coarse thought. When Christ abides in the heart, there will be
purity and refinement of thought and manner."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
pp. 24, 25.
"Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to
God; it is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of
God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father; it is trusting God
in trial, in darkness as well as in the light; it is walking by faith
and not by sight; it is relying on God with unquestioning confi-
dence, and resting in His love."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 51.
How can the Christian attain this ideal? Phil. 4:13.
"As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it be-
comes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may
be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 333.
"There must be a power working from within, a new life from
above, before- men can be changed from sin to holiness. That
power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless facul-
ties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness."—Steps
to
Christ,
p. 18.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can the Christian overcome the most discouraging
experiences in his life?
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Talents," pp. 330-333.
47
LESSON 6 November 4-10
The God of Love
"Beloved, let us love one another:
for love is of God; and every one that
loveth is born of God, and knoweth
God. He that loveth not knoweth not
God; for God is love" (1 John 4:7, 8).
He who knows God loves Him. And
he who loves God loves his
fellowmen.
There are no limitations to
love—none of space, personality, or
condition.
Love is a flame that warms, a light
that glows, a magnet that draws, a
fragrance that refreshes, a cup that
cheers, a mountain that endures, a
smile that reveals.
When you see love, you know it;
when you experience it, you
recognize it; when you lack it, you
need it and want it.
When a man experiences the new
birth of conversion, he experiences a
new birth of love—toward God and
toward all the world about him.
"God is the source of life and light
and joy to the universe. Like rays of
light from the sun, like the streams of
water bursting from a living spring,
blessings flow out from Him to all His
creatures. . . .
"Angels are ever engaged in
working for the happiness of others.
This is their joy. . . . The spirit of
Christ's self-sacrificing love is the
spirit that pervades heaven and is the
very essence of its bliss. . . .
"When the love of Christ is
enshrined in the heart, like sweet
fragrance it cannot be hidden. Its holy
influence will be felt by all with whom
we come in contact. . . .
"Love to Jesus will be manifested in
a desire to work as He worked for the
blessing and uplifting of humanity. It
will lead to love, tenderness, and
sympathy toward all the creatures of
our heavenly Father's care."—Steps
to
Christ,
pp. 77, 78.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
God Is Love
(1 John 4:16)
2.
God's Law of Love
(Matt. 22:36-40)
3.
God's Love Toward Sinners
(Rom. 5:7, 8)
4.
God's Loving-kindness
(Ps. 103:2-4)
5.
God's Universal Love
(John 3:16)
6.
God's Never-failing Love
(Hosea 11:8)
The God of Love
LESSON 6
❑
Sunday
November 4
Part 1
GOD IS LOVE
What does John say is a basic characteristic of God?
"We have known and believed the love that God hath to us.
God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and
God in him" (1 John 4:16).
Love is the very nature of God. Everything He does is
prompted by love. His love may be seen in all His works. The
wondrous love of God is revealed in things of the world about
us, in the infinite expanses of the heavens above. If we would
see love, we must see God. And no man can see love without
seeing God. He who feels the touch of God feels the touch of
love.
Human vision is limited, and we do not always see love in the
ways and works of God. We live in a world where other powers
are at work that are not from God, and they must not be con-
fused with God. Children do not always perceive their parents'
love in deeds of the greatest wisdom and most tender concern.
The more fully human eyes are opened, and the more com-
prehensive man's understanding becomes, the more clearly he
is able to see that God indeed is love.
Were it not for a God of love, there would be no world and no
men to inhabit it. Were not God a being of love, He would not be
the embodiment of infinite wisdom and power. God's power
exerts itself always, and only, in love. God's love is creative and
not destructive. God's wisdom manifests itself in constant out-
pourings of love in gifts to make men happy and to keep them
well.
Love is personal. It must have someone to love, someone with
whom to share. Unless it can expend itself in deeds of affection
toward others, it is not happy and it is not love. Love craves love
and creates love. The more it manifests itself, the wider will be
the circle of happiness and love.
How basic is love to a Christian? Eph. 3:17-19.
All the highest attributes in the souls of men are due to love,
and due to God. Mercy, sympathy, justice, goodness, truthful-
ness, and unselfishness all come from love and cannot exist
without it. These attributes find their fullest expression in God.
He is "merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in
goodness and truth" (Ex. 34:6).
THINK IT THROUGH
What would life be like without love?
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"God's Love for Man," pp. 9-12.
50
The God of Love
LESSON 6
❑
Monday
November 5
Part 2
GOD'S LAW
OF LOVE
What was Jesus' summary of the Ten Commandments and
the teaching of Scripture?
"Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all
thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the
first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two com-
mandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matt. 22:36-
40).
There can be no greater law than love. Love embraces every
duty of man—to God, and to those in the world about him. If a
man has supreme love for God, he will do all that God com-
mands. If he loves his fellowmen, he will do nothing against
them.
In heaven, the law of angels is the law of love. They need no
other law, for their every thought and deed is always, and only,
love. With fallen man, however, that is not the case. The details
of right and wrong in his relationships with God and man need
to be set before him in more specific detail. That is why God's
law of Ten Commandments was given, with the first four point-
ing out his love and duties to God, and the last six, his love and
duties to man.
What is the basis of our love for God? Deut. 5:6; Ex. 20:2.
The saving acts of God in our lives form the basis of our
relationship to God. God nad brought Israel out of Egypt with a
mighty arm and so the Israelites were under obligation to rec-
ognize Him as the one true God. They were to remember His
acts of Creation (Ex. 20:11) and deliverance (Deut. 5:15). They
would be moved to respond in grateful love.
You and I have experienced God's hand in our lives, so the
least that we can do is to thank Him and to love Him. As God
bade Moses to say to Israel, "Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your
God am holy" (Lev. 19:2), one of the specifications was, "Thou
shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (verse 18). Love was as
important in the days of Moses as it was at the time of Christ. It
was ever the basis of God's law as it is ever the foundation of
God's eternal throne.
How do we show that we love God? John 14:15; 1 John 5:2, 3.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can the Christian have love and hate in his heart? (See
Ps. 97:10; Amos 5:15.)
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pp. 76,
77; The Great Controversy,
p. 493.
51
The God of Love
LESSON 6
❑
Tuesday
November 6
Part 3
GOD'S LOVE
TOWARD SINNERS
By what fact does Paul measure the depth of God's love?
"Scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure
for a good man some would even dare to die. But God corn-
mendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:7, 8).
God has manifested His love in untold ways—in His works of
creation and preservation, in bringing into existence holy be-
ings who are to be eternally happy, in maintaining an endless
universe by boundless wisdom and love. But God's greatest
demonstration of love was the love He manifested toward sin-
ners who were in rebellion against Him.
Sinners need love, but they do not deserve it. What they
deserve is death, but it is from death that God purposes to save
them. Only love could have prompted that purpose. Justice
demanded that guilty man should die. But God's love provided a
substitute.
God loves not only good men but bad men, not only one man
but all men. God loves men who did not love Him. He loves men
who rejected His love and spurned His mercy, who love sin
rather than righteousness, and who chose ways of death rather
than ways of life. God loves men who would despise and reject
His Son, who came to save them. He loves them even though
they would put His Son to death on a cruel cross, demanding
death for the Prince of Life but clemency for a servant of the
prince of evil. And God would still love them in spite of their cry
that the blood for such a foul deed be upon themselves and their
children!
Because of God's great love, of what may the Christian be
confident? Rom. 8:38, 39.
Paul lists a number of elements that might be strong and
might be considered able to prevent God from reaching men
with His love. But Paul holds them up to ridicule. Not one of
them.is more powerful than God, not one of them can be con-
sidered an obstacle to God's saving grace.
And it took just such love to save us. Nothing less would have
sufficed. Unless God had been willing to give up His Son for
sinners, they could not have been saved. Unless Jesus would
have given up His throne and His life for sinners, they would
have perished in their iniquity. "We, like the rest, lay under the
dreadful judgement of God. But God, rich in mercy, for the great
love he bore us, brought us to life with Christ" (Eph. 2:3, 4, NEB).
In what sense was God loving and just in His provision for
the salvation of man?
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Two Worshipers," pp. 156, 157;
"This Man Receiveth Sinners," pp. 186-192.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
52
The God of Love
LESSON 6
❑
Wednesday
November 7
Part 4
"Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all his benefits:...
GOD'S who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee
LOVING-KINDNESS with lovingkindness and tender mercies" (Ps. 103:2-4).
The word translated "lovingkindness" has been translated in
a number of different ways: "mercy," "kindness," and "good-
ness" in the KJV. The RSV translates it "steadfast love." Two
related ideas are "covenant" and "faithfulness." (Compare
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 3, pp. 719, 720.)
The thought of the psalmist seems to be that God has given a
covenant to His people and has been faithful to it, and this
relationship can be considered as honorable and glorious as
the wearing of a crown.
God's ways are ways of incomparable kindness, and His gifts
are those of the most tender love. No mother ever displayed
greater love for her child than does God for His children. Where
God is, there His loving-kindness is revealed and His goodness
and mercy are displayed.
Wherever we find loveliness and harmony, grandeur and vir-
tue, it is because of God's goodness and love. If only the eyes of
our spiritual vision were opened, we would everywhere see
evidences of God's tender, all-pervading, never-failing love. We
would see God's love in rain as well as sunshine, in the clouds
above and the grass beneath.
What is the basis of true happiness? Ps. 144:15.
The psalmist mentions several things that can make for hap-
piness (see verses 11-14). But they are all summed up in one
blessing, God is our Lord. He is the source and wellspring of all
happiness.
God's greatest desire is that all men be truly happy, and
eternally remain that way. He created men in His own likeness
that they might be happy—happy in Him, in themselves, and
happy with all the world about them. "Man, created for fellow-
ship with God, can only in such fellowship find his real life and
development. Created to find in God his highest joy, he can find
in nothing else that which can quiet the cravings of the heart,
can satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul."—Education, pp.
124, 125.
What special blessings come to the man whose relationship
with God is right? Ps. 103:1, 3, 5.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the greatest blessing that I have received from
God?
FURTHER STUDY
In Heavenly Places,
pp. 114, 115.
53
The God of Love
LESSON 6
❑
Thursday
November 8
Part 5
What is the aim of God's great love?
GOD'S UNIVERSAL
LOVE
"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life" (John 3:16).
This text has been described as "the gospel in a nutshell." It
indicates the wide scope of God's love—the world; it tells us of
the sacrifice involved—He gave His only Son; it points out the
purpose of God's act—that all who believe in Him should not
die, but have eternal life.
All men are loved by God, and all men experience His bless-
ings. This is true of the wicked as well as the righteous, the poor
and humble as well as the mighty and the well-to-do. Men of
every clime, every race, every creed are loved by Him. Wherever
prayer is offered, God is ready to hear.
What does Matthew 5:45 teach about God's love?
Man usually discriminates in his love, but that is not true of
God and must not be true of those who claim to be Christian.
The Christian standard of relationship to other people is that of
God the Father, who distributes His gifts bountifully without
regard to worthiness or response. The main criterion is that of
need. The good and the bad alike need sunshine and rain, and
God supplies them impartially. Does my enemy need my wit-
ness? If so, then it is my responsibility, as a Christian, to reach
out a helping hand and do what God would do if He were in my
place.
What did Jesus say about His Father's care? Matt. 10:29-31;
6:26-31.
Everything, animate or inanimate, constantly experiences the
care of God. "The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are
over all his works" (Ps. 145:9). "The eyes of all wait upon thee;
and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest
thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing" (verses
15, 16). "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all
that call upon him in truth" (verse 18).
God sent Israel into Canaan with the admonition, "Be strong
and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the
Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee,
nor forsake thee" (Deut. 31:6).
THINK IT THROUGH
What does God gain from His interest and care for all?
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 25-28.
54
The God of Love
LESSON 6
❑
Friday
November 9
Part 6
What was God's attitude to Israel when they were unworthy
GOD'S NEVER- of His love?
FAILING LOVE
"How can I give you up, Israel?
How can I abandon you?
Could I ever destroy you as I did Admah,
or treat you as I did Zeboiim?
My heart will not let me do it!
My love for you is too strong" (Hosea 11:8, TEV).
Admah and Zeboiim are two cities of the plains that were
destroyed with Sodom and Gomorrah. (See Gen. 14:2; 19:25,
29.) Fire and brimstone rained down from heaven (Gen. 19:24)
and the "smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a
furnace" (verse 28).
There comes a time when God must punish evil. But it is not a
pleasant task for a God of love.
What is God's attitude to the sinner? Eze. 18:31, 32; 33:11.
God's grace is amazing! Tenderly, and with gentle persis-
tence, He pleads with sinners. The wicked need only to respond
and in repentance turn away from their sins, and God is willing
to accept them. He will forget the past, however wicked it may
be, because God is more concerned with the present and the
future than He is with the past.
The question God asks, Why will ye die? is a very pertinent
one. Would any sane person choose death? When life is offered
on such easy terms, it is utter foolishness to reject it.
Why does God seem to delay His second coming? 2 Peter
3:9.
It would seem that God would rather break His word than
cause any one to perish! God is not slow to do what He has
promised, but He is willing to give every opportunity for the
sinner to repent and thus be ready for His coming.
What kind of a person is the man who truly loves? 1 Cor.
13:4-7.
Here is the standard of perfection outlined for the Christian. Is
he willing to endure trying circumstances and not lose his
temper? Is he looking for ways and means to help people,
generous with his time and money? Does he accept his talents
and station in life without envy 'although he sees someone else
more talented and successful?
THINK IT THROUGH
How can a person love in the way that God has loved?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 479-483.
55
LESSON 7 November 11-17
The God of Peace
"The work of righteousness shall be
peace; and the effect of righteousness
quietness and assurance for ever. And
my people shall dwell in a _peaceable
habitation, and in sure dwellings, and
in quiet resting places" (Isa. 32:17,18).
God makes no statements that are
not true, and He makes no promises
that He does not keep. What He says
concerning the relationship between
righteousness and peace is altogether
true, and what He promises His
people is altogether certain.
It is the very nature of righteousness
to bring peace to those who are
righteous, and cessation of inner strife
to all who accept it. It is true now in
this world, and it will be true in the
new earth forever.
Since the saints look forward to a
new world of righteousness in
harmony with God's Word, they can
look forward with certainty to a -
heaven of peace in accord with His
promises. In the earth made new the
wolf will dwell with the lamb and the
leopard with the kid because no
reason for enmity or strife will be
found there.
The people of God are those who
have permitted peace to replace strife
here in their hearts and lives, and for
this reason the land they will inherit
forever will consist of sure dwellings
for all, with quiet resting places.
"The grace of Christ received into
the heart, subdues enmity; it allays
strife and fills the soul with love. He
who is at peace with God and his
fellow men cannot be made
miserable. Envy will not be in his
heart; evil surmisings will find no
room there; hatred cannot exist. The
heart that is in harmony with God is a
partaker of the peace of heaven and
will diffuse its blessed influence on all
around."
—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
pp. 27, 28.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Peace From Jesus
(John 14:27)
2.
Peace and Holiness
(Heb. 12:14)
3.
Peace and the Law of God
(Ps. 119:165)
4.
Peace—A Fruit of the Spirit
(Gal. 5:22, 23)
5.
Peace and the Sword
(Matt. 10:34)
6.
The Peace of God's Children
(Phil. 4:6, 7)
The God of Peace
LESSON 7
❑
Sunday
November 11
Part 1
What promise did Jesus make regarding peace?
PEACE FROM
JESUS
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the
world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).
Peace is God's gift to men. Jesus is "The Prince of Peace"
(Isa. 9:6). "He is our peace" (Eph. 2:14). "He will bring peace"
(Micah 5:5, TEV). Without God men can not know peace. When
Jesus was born, the angels sang "On earth peace, good will
toward men" (Luke 2:14).
What is the source of peace for the believer? Col. 1:20-22;
Rom. 5:1.
Through Christ and His cross the enmity between sinners and
God is broken, and reconciliation with heaven is restored.
"The effect of God's provision of righteousness by faith is to
bring peace to the sinner's once troubled and alienated soul.
Before the experience of justification the sinner is in a state of
enmity against God, as shown by his rebellion against God's
authority and his transgression of God's laws. But after he is
reconciled, he has peace with God. Before, while still under a
sense of the guilt of sin, he has nothing but fear and unrest in his
conscience. Now, with his sins forgiven, he has peace in his
heart, realizing that all his guilt has been taken away."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, pp. 522, 523.
What famous blessing is often invoked upon a congregation
and what particular blessing is desired? Num. 6:24-26.
It is the holiness and righteousness of God that make Him a
God of peace. So it is the uprightness of His children that makes
them people of peace.
What is the nature of the peace that comes to the Christian
through Christ? What will it do? Phil. 4:6, 7.
THINK IT THROUGH
If I do not have peace of mind and heart, how should I go
about securing it?
"The believer is not called upon to make his peace with God;
he never has nor ever can do this. He is to accept Christ as his
peace, for with Christ is God and
peace."—Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p. 395.
"There is peace in believing, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Believ-
ing brings peace, and trusting in God brings
joy."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 2, pp. 319, 320.
RJRTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 302-306.
58
The God of Peace
LESSON 7
❑
Monday
November 12
Part 2
If man is to see God, how should he relate to his fellowman?
PEACE AND
HOLINESS
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no
man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14).
The injunction to "follow peace" suggeststhat it is not easy to
live at peace; it requires a goal that is pursued with diligence,
with no regard to obstacles. The Christian aims to be in the state
of peace without conflicts.
It should be noted that peace means more than the absence of
war or trouble. It means that justice has been satisfied, that
everyone is at rest because everyone has reached that state
where there is no more jealousy, greed, or hatred. There are no
more disputes or grievances to settle. Peace is, therefore, a
positive attribute of having attained the highest good. All of this
is yet future.
But in the present we are to be at "peace with all men." Is this
a practical aim? Some people are easy to get along with; some
people are impossible! Or can the Christian be at peace, even
with an enemy? At least the goal is there, and the Christian can
never be satisfied with his efforts until he has come to some
agreement of living in peace with every person that comes into
his life.
How can anyone have perfect peace? Isa. 26:3.
Peace is not only a relationship with our fellowmen; it is
primarily a relationship with God. It means that we are not
worried about the present or the future. We are not afraid of
judgment. We have no sense of guilt. Only the man who is right
with God can be at peace with himself and the world.
According to the writer of Hebrews, what other attribute
must go along with peace? Heb. 12:14.
Peace is very closely connected to holiness, and holiness is
closely connected with God. It is not a matter of peace at any
price! The Christian must pursue his goal of peace only in ways
compatible with his principles. Genuine peace is a matter of the
heart and the spirit.
Peace within produces happiness. God's people are a happy
people because they are a peaceful people. Heaven will be a
place of happiness because it is a place of peace. "The meek
shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abun-
dance of peace" (Ps. 37:11).
THINK IT THROUGH
What do i do in order to live at peace with all men?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 305, 330, 331, 336.
59
The God of Peace
LESSON 7
❑
Tuesday
November 13
Part 3
PEACE AND THE
LAW OF GOD
What is the connection between the law of God and peace
among men?
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing
shall offend them" (Ps. 119:165).
God's law is the secret of peace, within and without, in this
world and in heaven, today and throughout eternity. Peace can
prevail only where and as long as God's law prevails.
The principles on which the law is based are principles which
would keep man at peace with God, with all the world about
Him, and with himself. No man can find happiness or peace
without this law. If he disregards any of its precepts or violates
any of its commands, he creates trouble for himself and brings
turmoil to those about him. If he loves these commandments
and lives them out in his life, it will be gain for himself and
others, for it is thus that happiness, justice, and peace will be
maintained.
Lawmakers throughout the world would have little to do if
men could learn to respect and obey God's law. Officers of the
peace would not be needed. The problems that afflict our cities,
the crime that is plaguing the land, the lawlessness that is
threatening the very existence of civilization would be done
away if men could only be brought to respect God's law.
God designed His law to preserve a close and happy fellow-
ship between Himself and all created beings. If any of its first
four precepts are violated, there is conflict between man and
God. If any of the last six commandments are broken, there is
conflict, not only between man and his fellows, but also be-
tween man and God.
What is the source of fightings and wars? James 4:1-4.
War erupted in heaven because Lucifer violated the very first
principle of the law in his endeavor to set up his throne above
the throne of God. Because man disobeyed, Eden was deprived
of peace, and man was robbed of the tranquility and happiness
that God had placed in his soul. Sin brought unrest.
Heaven will be the eternal abode of all happiness and peace,
because all who abide there have God's law of peace written in
their hearts and they live it out in their lives.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why are the Ten Commandments so basic to peace?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
p. 308;
Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing, "The
Spirituality of the Law" (Matt. 5:17), pp. 46-48.
60
The God of Peace
LESSON 7
❑
Wednesday
November 14
Part 4
PEACE—A FRUIT
OF THE SPIRIT
How only can man have peace in the heart?
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against
such there is no law" (Gal. 5:22, 23).
Peace is not natural for sinful man. When he was first created
in God's image, man had peace; but when sin entered, peace
departed. Instead of enjoying the presence of God and placing
complete trust in Him, man became afraid of God and tried to
hide from His presence.
It is ever the baleful work of sin to drive man farther and
farther from God, and more and more to erase the divine image.
Instead of love he is filled with hate; instead of joy there is
discontent and sorrow; instead of peace there is anxiety and
hostility. In the midst of the most peaceful scenes of nature man
may find irritation and irascibility within his soul. With sunshine
all about him there may be darkness within.
The fearful, doubtful heart of man needs restoration. It needs
to come back to peace and God. Man needs God, and God
wants man. Man needs peace, but he doesn't know how to find
it. Inwardly he wants to do right, but his evil heart does not allow
it.
What is Paul's description of the experience of the natural
man who wants to do right? Rom. 7:19, 23, 24.
Although man's natural heart is against God, against right,
against peace, it need not remain so. God has provided a rem-
edy. He has sent His Holy Spirit into the world to convict man of
sin and give him strength to overcome. Instead of the works of
flesh, he is to enjoy the fruits of the Spirit. In place of hatred,
variance, wrath, and strife, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, and
peace.
In order to enjoy real peace, what kind of mind must a man
have? Rom. 8:6.
THINK IT THROUGH
What lessons may we learn from the fruit tree regarding
bearing fruit in the Christian life?
"The mighty power of the Holy Spirit works an entire trans-
formation in the character of the human agent, making him a
new creature in Christ Jesus. . . . The peace that dwells in the
soul is seen on the countenance. The words and actions ex-
press the love of the Saviour."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 1117.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 679, 680.
61
The God of Peace
LESSON 7
❑
Friday
November 16
Part 6
How can one enjoy inward peace midst outward strife and
THE PEACE OF turmoil?
GOD'S CHILDREN
"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made
known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6, 7).
God possesses perfect peace because of His perfect holiness.
Peace comes to the believer as a gift from Him.
While the wicked know not peace, the children of God are
freed from their own hostility.
What should be the aim of every Christian?
God's people are peaceful people, and their ways are ways of
righteousness. (See Isa. 32:17, 18.) "Great shall be the peace of
thy children" (Isa. 54:13). "Mark the perfect man, and behold
the upright: for the end of that man is peace" (Ps. 37:37). "In his
days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so
long as the moon endureth" (Ps. 72:7). "The meek shall inherit
the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of
peace" (Ps. 37:11).
How does the wise man describe the man who gets wisdom,
understanding, and peace? Prov. 3:13, 17.
It should be noted that wisdom for the wise man was iden-
tified with God and righteousness. "The fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom." "I lead in the way of righteousness"
(Prov. 9:10; 8:20).
Peaceful people are happy people, and holy joy will mark the
paths of God's children.
God calls His people to peace—peace with Him and with each
other. "God hath called us to peace" (1 Cor. 7:15). "As much as
lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Rom. 12:18). "Be of
one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be
with you" (2 Cor. 13:11). "Let the peace of God rule in your
hearts" (Col. 3:15).
THINK IT 'THROUGH
Why is peace so important to the people of God?
"Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls
to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and
quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus
makes them glad by His presence. In perfect acquiescence
there is perfect peace."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 331.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"To Meet the Bridegroom," pp.
419-421.
63
LESSON 8 November 18-24
Wonderful,
Counsellor
Wonderful, Counsellor
LESSON 8
❑
Monday
November 19
Part 2
How does God draw us to Himself?
COUNSEL OF LOVE
"I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with
lovingkindness have I drawn thee" (Jer. 31:3).
True love does not forget. It always seeks to help, never to
hurt. One of the best ways in which love can manifest itself is by
giving counsel. Gifts of counsel are often of greater value than
any other gifts. They cannot be measured in terms of material
value, although at times they are of the highest material value.
Heavenly counsel provides us with the greatest values we can
obtain in life.
Counsel from people is not always prompted by love and is
not always wise. People may give counsel to others which they
would not want for themselves. Counsel from people may be for
the purpose of benefiting the giver rather than the receiver.
God's counsel is always prompted by love, and is always
helpful and wise. Accepted, God's counsel may seem to hurt at
the time, but its fruitage is always good.
What does God do to those whom He loves? Rev. 3:19.
Jesus at times administered counsel in terms of stern rebuke,
but when He did, it was prompted by love. "He spoke the truth,
but always in love. He denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and in-
iquity; but tears were in His voice as He uttered His scathing
rebukes."—Steps
to Christ,
p. 12.
As persons and situations differ, so counsel varies. What is
good counsel for one may prove to be poor counsel for others.
When men follow counsel intended for others in entirely dif-
ferent circumstances, the results they reap may be ill instead of
good. But God must not be blamed for man's lack of judgment
or discernment.
What counsel did Jesus give to a rich young ruler? Matt.
19:21.
Counsel from Heaven is always for man's best interests. "God
does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best
interest to retain. In all that He does, He has the well-being of His
children in view. . . . Man is doing the greatest injury and
injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the
will of God."—Steps
to Christ,
p. 46.
Why did Jerusalem reap desolation? Mall. 23:37, 38.
THINK IT THROUGH
If you had the choice of receiving money or good counsel,
which would you choose, and why?
RIMER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 512, 513.
67
Wonderful, Counsellor
LESSON 8
❑
Tuesday
November 20
Part 3
COUNSEL TO
A MINISTER
To whom did Paul direct special counsel?
"To Timothy, my dearly beloved son."
"Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding
in all things" (2 Tim. 1:2; 2:7).
Although Paul's words were directed to Timothy, they are of
value to all who aspire to being God's helping hand or minister.
Timothy was a young minister with his future before him. In
his future work he might be merely mediocre; he might be a
failure; or
he
might be an outstanding success. Paul loved
Timothy as his own son and gave him the best counsel he could
so that he might make a success in his work for God.
How should a young pastor conduct himself in relation to
other people and the doctrines of the church? 1 Tim. 4:12, 15,
16.
"Paul urged Timothy to meditate upon those things that are
pure and excellent, that his profiting might appear unto all. The
same counsel is greatly needed by men of the present age.
I urge upon our workers the necessity of purity in every thought,
every act. We have an individual accountability to God, an indi-
vidual work which no one else can do for us. It is to strive to
make the world better. While we should cultivate sociability, let
it not be merely for amusement, but for a higher purpose."—
Gospel Workers,
p. 125.
What counsel does Paul give about money? 1 Tim. 6:10.
"The Bible condemns no man for being rich, if he has ac-
quired his riches honestly. Not money, but the love of money, is
the root of all evil. It is God who gives men power to get wealth;
and in the hands of him who acts as God's steward, using his
means unselfishly, wealth is a blessing, both to its possessor
and to the world."—The
Ministry of Healing,
p. 212.
What truth did Paul note to encourage Timothy to be fear-
less? 2 Tim. 1:7, 8.
When one is on the side of right, on the side of God, there is no
reason to fear. Note how Jesus was unafraid in the storm and
before the two demoniacs. (See Matt. 8:23-34.)
THINK IT THROUGH
Read 2 Timothy 2:1, 3, 15, 19; 3:14,15; 4:2, 5, and indicate the
ways in which this counsel is relevant to us today.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 499-508.
68
Wonderful, Counsellor
LESSON 8
❑
Wednesday
November 21
Part 4
HEAVEN'S COUNSEL
FOR ALL
Why is it important to fear God?
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God,
and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of
man" (Eccl. 12:13).
What similar thought was expressed by Jesus in Matthew
6:33?
No better counsel can be given than to make first things first.
True religion requires an ordering of priorities. Eternity is at
stake. If a man loses heaven, he loses everything. If a man does
not find God in this world and fails to love in accord with His
ways, he not only loses the finest and best that this life can offer,
but eternal life as well.
Why is it not necessary for a Christian to worry about his
daily needs? Matt. 6:25-30.
"God's law is the law of love. He has surrounded you with
beauty to teach you that you are not placed on earth merely to
delve for self, to dig and build, to toil and spin, but to make life
bright and joyous and beautiful with the love of Christ—like the
flowers, to gladden other lives by the ministry of love."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p.97.
The present world of sin is doomed to pay the wages of sin,
and that is destruction. Evil men are simply destroying them-
selves and the world in which they live.
When men forget God and His commandments, they forget
the only force that can hold the world together, the only means
by which happiness, well-being;and peace can be preserved,
and life itself maintained.
Man needs to learn that there is a God in heaven, and that he
owes allegiance to Him—an allegiance which he can neglect
only at the expense of his present well-being and eternal happi-
ness. To his Creator man's supreme homage is due. That fact
man must never forget. Forgetting it, he forgets himself, he
forgets others, he forgets the world in which he lives—and must
pay the price of his neglect. But neglecting righteousness and
God, man forfeits goodness and love, and only with these is it
possible for him to live forever.
What is Micah's summary of God's requirements for man?
Micah 6:8.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is man's first duty not to himself but to God?
FURTHER STUDY
Matthew 5:1-48; 6:1-34.
69
Wonderful, Counsellor
LESSON 8
❑
Thursd
ay
November 22
Part 5
COUNSEL FOR
LAST-DAY PEOPLE
What special counsel is given the Laodicean church?
"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou
mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be
clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see"
(Rev. 3:18).
The Christian does not need to be rich in this world's goods,
but he does have to have spiritual riches. The symbolism of gold
and raiment and eyesalve may be interpreted as follows: gold—
faith that works by love; white raiment—Christ's righteousness;
eyesalve—the ability, through the Spirit of God, to distinguish
between truth and error.
Why is it necessary for the Christian to be on his guard at all
times? Matt. 25:13.
God has given many details concerning the kind of people the
saints should be in order to be in readiness for His coming.
Some characteristics are as follows:
Vigilant
(1 Peter 5:8). Jesus gave similar advice to Peter! (See
Matt. 26:41.)
Sober
(1 Thess. 5:6). The daytime is a time to work, not to
sleep. (See John 9:4.)
Holy
(2 Peter 3:11, 14). Jesus urged readiness too. (See Luke
12:35-38.)
Pure
(1 John 3:3). Only the pure in heart can see God. (See
Matt. 5:8.)
Diligent
(2 Peter 1:10, 11). Although we are called and chosen,
we must never cease to
be
careful lest we fall.
Obedient
(Rev. 22:14). An alternate reading gives "wash their
robes." We need to have the robe of Christ's righteousness to
enter the kingdom.
Truthful
(Rev. 21:27). "There shall in no wise enter into it any
thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or
maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of
life.
Confident
(Heb. 10:35). There may be periods of waiting and
uncertainty, but our faith must remain firm.
Patient
(Heb. 10:36, 37). Christ's coming is as certain as day
following night. Wait for it!
Overcoming
(Rev. 2:7). The Christian is a faithful warrior for
Christ. Victory is assured.
Steadfast
(Rev. 3:11).
Why is it more difficult, or less so, to be holy in the last days
than in earlier times?
Testimonies,
vol. 9, pp. 11, 13, 16, 17.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
70
Wonderful, Counsellor
LESSON 8
❑
Friday
November 23
Part 6
What is a result of keeping God's commandments with all
FRUITAGE OF one's heart?
HEEDING GOD'S
COUNSEL
"My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my
commandments: for length of days, and long life, and peace,
shall they add to thee" (Prov. 3:1, 2).
We seldom feel that the time has come to give up life. We want
to see the fruitage of our work or to see our children (and
grandchildren!) growing up.
Blessings are not accidents. They do not come from following
our own inclinations, but from following the counsel of God.
The Lord desires only good for His children. Sometimes this
good is accomplished by misfortune, illness, or pain. But often
when we forget God and turn aside from His directions and
counsel, we then lack the faith necessary to accept these as
being for our good.
God's Word is a volume of heavenly counsel given to guide us
and keep us, to bring victories out of defeats, to replace sorrow
with joy, and to change unrest into peace.
When God gives counsel, He often points out what the result
of obedience or disobedience will be.
How did God advise Israel of both blessings and curses?
Deut. 28:1, 15.
The world is full of opposites. There is a right and a wrong
way, a narrow and a broad path. We choose the way we go, and
we enjoy or suffer the consequences.
How may one be assured of knowing the right way? 2 Tim.
3:14, 15.
The one who follows the right road and honors God with all
that he has received can be assured of plenty. (See Prov. 3:9,
10.) In fact, he will receive guidance so as to continue in the right
way. (See Prov. 3:6.)
What was God's response to Judah when they did not walk
in the right road? What did they miss? Isa. 48:18.
In Isaiah 30:1-7 God's rebellious children who had taken
counsel, not with God but with Egypt, were informed of the
woes that would come upon them. Having turned to the
Pharaoh rather than to God for help, they would discover that
the result would only be shame, confusion, and reproach.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is good counsel so often rejected and bad counsel
accepted?
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 648-652.
71
LESSON 9 November 25 to December 1
The Lamb of God
"The next day John seeth Jesus
coming unto him, and saith, Behold
the Lamb of God, which taketh away
the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
Jesus came to earth as a sinless lamb
to take on Himself the guilt of a sinful
world. He came, knowing that He
would die, but knowing also that man
would live. On the cross He was
willing to die without hope (see The
Desire of Ages,
p. 753) for Himself in
order that hope of life eternal might be
the lot of a world that knew no hope.
Jesus came to receive shame,
humiliation, affliction, and grief which
never should have been the lot of the
spotless Lamb of God.
Today heaven is mine because Jesus
was willing to give up heaven. I am a
son of God because Jesus became the
Son of man.
"Satan in heaven had hated Christ
for His position in the courts of God.
He hated Him the more when he
himself was dethroned. He hated Him
who pledged Himself to redeem a race
of sinners. Yet into the world where
Satan claimed dominion God
permitted His Son to come, a helpless
babe, subject to the weakness of
humanity. He permitted Him to meet
life's peril in common with every
human soul, to fight the battle as every
child of humanity must fight it, at the
risk of failure and eternal loss. . . .
". . . God gave His only-begotten
Son, that the path of life might be
made sure for our little ones. 'Herein
is love.' Wonder, 0 heavens! and be
astonished, 0 earth!"—The
Desire of
Ages,
p. 49.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
God's Thoughts Toward Sinners
(John 1:29)
2.
God's Mercy Toward Sinners
(Ex. 34:6, 7)
3.
Heaven's Sacrifice for Sinners
(John 3:16)
4.
Man's Sins on the Lamb of God
(Isa. 53:5, 6)
5.
The God Who Justifies
(Rom. 5:1)
6.
The God Who Sanctifies
(1 Thess. 5:23)
The Lamb of God
LESSON 9
❑
Sunday
November 25
Part 1
GOD'S THOUGHTS
TOWARD SINNERS
What does God want to do with the world?
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the
world" (John 1:29).
Throughout the Bible God is pictured as One who hates sin
but loves the sinner. He despises the wicked deeds men do but
retains His love for those who do them. It is His purpose to
destroy sin but to save the sinner. Everything He can do, He will
do to save sinners from the fate which is their due.
What illustrations does the psalmist use in Psalm 103: 8-14
to express God's great love for humankind?
What kind of thoughts does God have for His people? Jer.
29:11.
Man is totally unworthy of such love. When he sins, he is in
rebellion against God. Surely an individual guilty of the gross
misdeeds prompted by the evil heart of man deserves punish-
ment rather than pity. But God in His love offers forgiveness and
salvation that man does
not deserve.
If God were not a God of compassion, there would be no hope
for sinners. The entire human race would face certain and utter
destruction, doomed to suffer the penalty justice requires for
sin. But there is hope, because the love and compassion of God
has found a means of satisfying His justice.
God looks on sinful man not as he is but as he should be,
might
be,
and will be, when redeemed from sin and rescued
from its deadly grip.
"We must not think of God only as a judge ready to pronounce
sentence against us. He hates sin; but from love to sinners He
gave Himself, in the person of Christ, that all who would might
be saved and have eternal blessedness in the kingdom of
glory."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 633.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can God's infinite love be reconciled with His justice?
"Do not think that
perhaps
God will pardon your transgres-
sions and permit you to come into His presence. God has made
the first advance. While you were in rebellion against Him, He
went forth to see you. . . .
.. Christ teaches that salvation does not come through our
seeking after God but through God's seeking after us.... We do
not repent in order that God may love us, but He reveals to us His
love in order that we may
repent."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pp.
188, 189.
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ, "God's
Love for Man," pp. 13-15.
74
The Lamb of God
LESSON 9
❑
Monday
November 26
Part 2
GOD'S MERCY
TOWARD SINNERS
How did God reveal Himself to Moses?
"The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and
abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for
thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and
that will by no means clear the guilty." (Ex. 34:6, 7).
God is a God of both mercy and justice. Justice demands that
the transgressor pay the penalty of his transgression. Death is
that penalty. So if justice alone were to prevail, all would die, for
all have sinned. There would be no other alternative.
God, however, is merciful, and His mercy makes it possiblefor
the condemned sinner to live. Justice could not be sacrificed,
for the requirements of justice must be met. God, in Jesus, paid
the penalty for all who repent of their sins and accept Jesus as
their Substitute. All others are guilty and pay the penalty them-
selves.
God's mercy is great, but His justice is real. If man refuses to
accept the provisions made for his salvation, God will demand
full justice, for He will not "clear the guilty."
We owe it to ourselves and to God to keep ever in mind His
wonderful goodness and mercy that makes possible the salva-
tion of all repentant sinners. The biblical writers keep such
pictures of Him constantly before us.
Why is it safe to turn to the Lord in time of difficulty, and also
after we have sinned? Deut. 4:29-31; 2 Chron. 30:9.
What truth points out the mercy of God? Rom. 5:8.
What good advice is recorded by Isaiah in regard to our
relationship to God? Isa. 55:6-9.
"More and more, as the days go by, it is becoming apparent
that God's judgments are in the world. . . . He is warning the
inhabitants of this earth of His near approach....
. . The time of God's destructive judgments is the time of
mercy for those who have had no opportunity to learn what is
truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy
is touched; His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door
is closed to those who would not
enter."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p.
97.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why do some people still reject the mercy of God? What will
be their fate?
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"Repentance,
-
p. 31; "Faith and Accep-
tance," p. 53.
75
The Lamb of God
LESSON 9
❑
Tuesday
November 27
Part 3
HEAVEN'S SACRIFICE
FOR SINNERS
What is the measure of God's love?
"God so loved
the
world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life" (John 3:16).
Man was not redeemed from sin without a high price being
paid for his redemption. It cost the Father His Son, and it cost
the Son His life, His crown, His all. Jesus was the Lamb that was
slain.
Both Father and Son knew what the price would be and
weighed the cost. Jesus, at "the counsel of peace" with His
Father, volunteered to give up His own life for the life of the
sinner. "It was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to
yield up His Son to die for the guilty
race."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
p. 63.
What Old Testament patriarch knew what it was like to offer
his son as a sacrifice? Gen. 22:1,2. What was Jesus' comment
on this experience? John 8:56.
Some have been called upon to make the sacrifice of a son to
die for their country. It is not an easy experience. Some parents
would rather die and have their children live. But the supreme
sacrifice becomes the measure of supreme love and devotion.
Are we willing to respond to God in the same way as He has
responded to us?
For the Son "this was a voluntary sacrifice. Jesus might have
remained at the Father's side. He might have retained the glory
of heaven, and the homage of the angels. But He chose to give
back the scepter into the Father's hands, and to step down from
the throne of the universe, that He ,might bring light to the
benighted, and life to the perishing."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 22, 23.
Before Jesus came to earth, He knew what suffering, humilia-
tion, and shame it would bring. He knew that He would be
despised and rejected of men; insulted, spat upon, treated as
the vilest of criminals, and die upon the cross. But He was
willing to pay the price.
The sacrifice made by Christ is likened to that of an innocent
lamb placed upon an altar. Until Christ came in person to offer
Himself upon the cross, the system of sacrifices kept ever be-
fore the repentant sinners the high price their salvation would
cost.
THINK IT THROUGH
Which was a harder experience to bear, the Father giving
the Son, or the Son offering Himself for the salvation of men?
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages, bk.
1, pp. 321-323.
76
The Lamb of God
LESSON 9
❑
Wednesday
November 28
Part 4
MAN'S SINS ON
THE LAMB OF GOD
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
What great truth is taught in Isaiah 53:5, 6?
"He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised
for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon
him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have
gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and
the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isa. 53:5, 6).
When Christ died on the cross, He died not as a holy God but
as a sinful man. He died not because He Himself had sinned, but
because He had taken upon Himself the sins of others which did
not belong to Him.
When Christ died, He died as the worst of criminals, making
full atonement for all the sins of all the world.
There was no other way for man's redemption than for Him
who knew no sin to suffer its punishment.
What are the results of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?
1 Peter 2:24.
"Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as
He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had
no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in
which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours,
that we might receive the life which was His. 'With His stripes we
are healed.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
p. 25.
What piercing cry points up the agony of Christ on the
cross? Matt. 27:46.
God could never forsake His beloved, sinless Son; but He who
was holy could not accept that which was evil. The sins of the
ages resting on Christ brought separation between Him and His
Father as He died for sin.
"The Saviour could not see through the portals of the tomb.
Hope did not present to Him His coming forth from the grave a
conqueror, or tell Him of the Father's acceptance of the sac-
rifice. He feared that sin was so offensive to God that Their
separation was to be eternal. Christ felt the anguish which the
sinner will feel when mercy shall no longer plead for the guilty
race. It was the sense of sin, bringing the Father's wrath upon
Him as man's substitute, that made the cup He drank so bitter,
and broke the heart of the Son of God."—The
Desire of Ages,
p.
753.
Why was Christ fully qualified to be the Sin Bearer for man?
The Story of Redemption,
pp. 225-227.
77
The Lamb of God
LESSON 9
❑
Thursday
November 29
Part 5
THE GOD WHO
JUSTIFIES
What must man have in order to be justified?
"Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1).
Sinners are not at peace with God, but at enmity. Sin fights
against God, rebels against conformity to His law and His will.
Death is the penalty for sin. Christ came into the world, however,
to rescue man from the penalty of death and to restore him to
peace with God. Love He offers for enmity, pardon for condem-
nation, reconciliation for alienation.
All this is what is meant by justification. A person is accepted,
not because of what he has done for God, but because of what
God has done for him. Justification is accomplished in a
moment—the first moment that man accepts the salvation
Christ offers him. It changes man's standing before the judg-
ment bar of heaven. His sins are pardoned, and he is accepted
as a member of the family of heaven, in peaceful and happy
relationship with God. All this is achieved by faith in Christ and
an acceptance of His ways.
"God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved" (John 3:17).
Justification is the opposite of condemnation, and Christ's pur-
pose was to justify, not to condemn.
What is a false road to justification? Gal. 2:16.
We are "justified freely," we are told, "through the redemp-
tion that is in Christ" (Rom. 3:24). "Whom he called, them he
also justified (Rom. 8:30). Sinners are justified by Christ im-
mediately when they accept Him—there is no waiting until
sainthood has been achieved.
"We have no righteousness of our own with which to meet the
claims of the law of God. But Christ has made a way of escape
for us. He lived on earth amid trials and temptations such as we
have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now He
offers to take our sins and give us His righteousness. If you give
yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as
your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righ-
teous. Christ's character stands in place of your character, and
you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned."—
Steps to Christ,
p. 62.
Contrast
the
disobedience of one man, Adam, with the
obedience of one man, Christ. Rom. 5:18, 19.
What do we mean by "faith" in the expression "justified by
faith"?
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, pp. 389-393.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
78
The Lamb of God
LESSON 9
❑
Friday
November 30
Part 6
What does Paul pray will be the experience of every be-
THE GOD WHO liever?
SANCTIFIES
"The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God
your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless
unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 5:23).
The effect of sin is to destroy the image of God in man. The
effect of the gospel is to restore man to God's image. The
purpose of Christ in coming to the world was to reveal God's
character to men, to die for their sins, and to make it possible by
His grace that this character might be reproduced in them. If
man is to live eternally in a holy heaven with a holy God, he must
be holy. (See Heb. 12:14.) The transformation from sinfulness to
holiness is called sanctification.
What does Jesus suggest as the way by which a person can
be sanctified? John 17:17.
"It is the work of conversion and sanctification to reconcile
men to God by bringing them into accord with the principles of
His law."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 467.
The holy law of God will be written in the hearts of the saved.
This process is sanctification.
What will be the prayer of the man who desires to be
sanctified? Ps. 51:10.
Man must learn to do right, not only because he is told to do
so, but because he wants to do so. To do works of righteousness
and holiness must become desirable for him. He will obey be-
cause it will be in harmony with his renewed nature to obey. The
thoughts of God are to become his thoughts, and the ways of
God, his ways. This is the work of sanctification.
What did Jesus say He did for our sakes in order that we may
be sanctified? John 17:19.
This work is not accomplished in a moment. It is the work of a
lifetime. Nowhere in this life will it be possible for man to say that
he is perfectly holy, completely like God. He is saved in heaven
not by his own holiness or his own works of righteousness but
by the grace of God and the righteousness of Christ which is
imputed to him.
THINK IT THROUGH
If the Christian is justified by faith, how is he sanctified?
(See Acts 26:18.)
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 467-474.
79
LESSON 10 December 2-8
My Father
and My God
"Thou art my father, my God, and
the rock of my salvation" (Ps. 89:26).
God was very real to David. The Lord
was his loving Father and his Rock of
defense, his hope and his salvation.
He was his Shepherd who led him
beside still waters and restored his
soul (Ps. 23:1-3).
God was the light of David's
pathway and the strength of his life
(Ps. 27:1). He was his fortress and high
tower in whom he could place his trust
(Ps. 18:2).
To David the heavens declared
God's glory, and the firmament
showed His handiwork (Ps. 19:1).
David knew from personal
experience that the Lord guided the
meek and taught them His ways (Ps.
25:9). He had learned that God gave
strength to His people and blessed
them with peace (Ps. 29:11). He had
the assurance that the Lord encamped
about those that feared Him and
delivered them (Ps. 34:7).
To David that man was a fool who
said, "There is no God" (Ps. 53:1).
Because the loving-kindness of God
was better than life to David, he
praised God with joyful lips; and
because the Lord had been his help,
David rejoiced in the shadow of the
heavenly wings (Ps. 63:3-7).
The purpose of the lesson this week
is to see how the God of heaven is the
personal God of His children on earth.
From the time of Adam to the present
there have always been men who
knew God as their Saviour from sin,
Deliverer from evil, and their Guide
and Companion in daily life. There is
nothing more important in life than to
become acquainted with God as a
personal friend.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
God and His Saints
(Mal. 3:16, 17)
2.
God and His People
(Deut. 7:6-8)
3.
God and the Individual
(Ps. 91:2)
4.
The Nearness of God
(Ps. 145:18)
5.
The Goodness of God
(Ps. 34:8-10)
6.
Invincible Love
(Rom. 8:38, 39)
My Father and My God
LESSON 10
❑
Sunday
December 2
Part 1
GOD AND
HIS SAINTS
THINK IT THROUGH
How does God relate to those who fear Him?
"They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and
the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance
was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that
thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord
of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare
them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him" (Mal.
3:16, 17).
There are people on earth who fear God, who speak to each
other concerning Him, and who worship Him together. The
Bible calls them saints. God recognizes them as His own, and
they recognize Him. He loves them and they love Him. They are
called His children. They have fellowship with each other and
with God. Very close and tender is this relationship.
The picture of God that Malachi presents is of One who keeps
careful records. None will be forgotten, because their names
are written in a book. (See also Ex. 32:32, 33.) Only the unrigh-
teous will have their names blotted out of the book of life (Ps.
69:28). Those whose names are written in the book will be
delivered from all evil (Dan. 12:1).
How should the saints relate to one another? Heb. 10:24, 25.
If any people on earth deserve to associate themselves closely
together in bonds of happy and meaningful fellowship, it is the
saints of God. They did this in Old Testament times, and also
after the Saviour came to earth. They enjoy this fellowship and
profit from it. God watches over them in this fellowship and
blesses them in it.
The saints are not to fix their eyes on themselves and their
own affairs; they are to look at the needs of those around them
and to encourage everyone to be more loving and more active in
good deeds. Saints are not to be concerned only with personal
salvation, but also with the salvation of others. This means
faithful attendance at meetings where they can encourage one
another and give public testimony to their unity and common
faith. This becomes more important in Christian life as the
second advent approaches.
What should be the attitude of those that love the Lord? Ps.
97:10-12.
Why do some people absent themselves from Sabbath
School and the church service? What are some of the benefits
of faithful attendance at services?
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ, "The
Privilege of Prayer," pp. 100-102.
82
My Father and My God
LESSON 10
❑
Monday
December 3
Part 2
GOD AND
HIS PEOPLE
THINK IT THROUGH
Why and for what purpose did God choose Israel?
"Thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy
God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself,
above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord
did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye
were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest
of all people: but because the Lord loved you, and because he
would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers,
hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and re-
deemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of
Pharaoh king of Egypt" (Deut. 7:6-8).
God wants a people who are different from other people,
different in the sense that they will have nothing to do with false
gods and false worship. They will not do anything to com-
promise their relation to God by making alliances or intermarry-
ing with the heathen (verses 2, 3). They remember this covenant
relationship with God and walk humbly before Him.
Lest God's people become proud of their special position and
the blessings they enjoy, God reminds them that they are cho-
sen, not for any qualities of their own, but merely because of
God's love (verse 8). Whatever we enjoy of earth's bounties, it is
only because of God's goodness and love.
What qualities of Abraham qualified him to be the father of
the faithful? Gen. 12:1-4, 7, 8; 13:4, 14-18; 14:20; 15:6; 18:17-19.
Abraham believed God, and this was counted to him for righ-
teousness. But it was God who took the initiative in calling him
and making great promises to him. He obeyed the Lord. Wher-
ever he went, He set up altars to worship God. He paid tithe.
Abraham was not perfect. He failed to give a proper witness in
Egypt (Gen. 12:10-20). But God was with him because he did not
stagger at God's promises.
What the world knows of God today, it knows very largely
because of Hebrews who knew God and did not want the world
to forget Him. Among them were such individuals as Moses,
David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and many others. Their witness for
God, made known by Christian endeavor and missions, has
carried a knowledge of Him throughout the world.
What assurance do we have that God will help us as His
people? Isa. 41:8-10; 43:5-7, 10.
From the experience of Israel, how can you show that God's
choice of a people does not necessarily mean that the people
will remain His own?
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 458, 459;
Prophets and Kings,
p.
570.
83
My Father and My God
LESSON 10
❑
Tuesday
December 4
Part 3
GOD AND
THE INDIVIDUAL
THINK IT THROUGH
What was the psalmist's personal relationship to God?
"I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my
God; in him will I trust" (Ps. 91:2).
The fact that God is a wonderful God to others profits me little
unless I know that He is also a God to me. The God of the Bible
and the preacher, the God of David or Moses or John, means
little to me unless I also know Him.
What good does it do me when I hear of answers to others'
prayers and know not that God also answers mine? What good
does it do me when others testify that God is near and dear if I
cannot offer such a testimony myself?
The saints of the Bible and the saints of today know God for
themselves. David could say, "The Lord is
my
shepherd; / shall
not want. He maketh
me
to lie down in green pastures: he
leadeth
me
beside still waters. He restoreth
my
soul" (Ps. 23:
1-3). (Emphasis supplied.)
What words in the following passages of Scripture indicate
a personal relationship with God? Ps. 23:1-3; Job 19:25-27;
2 Tim. 1:12; 4:8.
David had been a shepherd caring for sheep and the lambs.
As he thought of himself and his relation to God, he could not
think of a better illustration than that of God as the Great
Shepherd. Can you think of a modern occupation in an urban
society which would parallel that of a shepherd? Would he be a
banker, a lawyer, a guardian, a trustee? How do these occupa-
tions fail to fulfill the qualities of a shepherd?
Where did Isaiah have a personal encounter with God, and
what were the results? Isa. 6:1-13.
All the wonderful things God has done for others He desires
and has promised to do for me. What I must do is to allow the
eyes of my spiritual vision to be opened and to respond to God
when He addresses me.
What words in the following texts indicate that a personal
relationship with God is open to all? Rev. 3:20-22; John 1:9;
Rom. 1:16.
What is the secret of experiencing the reality of God's pres-
ence? Jer. 29:13.
What are the things that hinder my enjoying a personal
experience with God?
If we do not know God, it is because we do not believe or
receive Him, or because we drive Him away by our sins.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Asking to Give," pp. 141-143.
84
My Father and My God
LESSON 10
❑
Wednesday
December 5
Part 4
THE NEARNESS
OF GOD
What kind of people find that God is near to them?
"The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that
call upon him in truth" (Ps. 145:18).
The expression "to call upon" the Lord means to worship
Him, to recognize His strength and man's dependence. Man is
always in need of help. To whom shall he turn in his need? He
may be tempted to turn to his fellowman or even to one who
holds a high station in life. But the psalmist warns against this.
(See Ps. 118:8, 9.) There is only One to whom a man can turn and
find his needs amply supplied.
The challenge to the worshiper is that his worship shall be "in
truth"—in sincerity and singleness of heart. The Christian must
never divide his loyalty or fail in trust and confidence. Some-
times the Christian is tempted to put his trust in a bank balance,
or in friends, in his skill, or astuteness. It seems easier to have
confidence in what can be seen and felt, rather than in God who
is invisible and apparently intangible. But a faith that is the
"evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1) must actuate him in all
his relations with God, and then he can be sure God will never
let him down.
How did Moses encourage the children of Israel that God
would keep on leading them? Deut. 31:6.
The Lord used similar language to strengthen Joshua
(Joshua 1:5, 6).
Under what circumstance did Jesus say that He and the
Father would make Their abode with men? John 14:23.
Does God mean what He says? Will He be true to His word?
But why does He so often repeat His promises? Do times ever
come when we personally need it?
"Never feel that Christ is far away. He is always near. His
loving presence surrounds you.!'—The
Ministry of Healing,
p. 85.
Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for
Him [God] to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too
dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him
to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no
anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape
the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in
which He takes no immediate interest."—Steps
to Christ,
p.100.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the difference between feeling the nearness of God
and having faith in His nearness?
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 388-391.
85
My Father and My God
LESSON 10
❑
Thursday
December 6
Part 5
THE GOODNESS
OF GOD
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
86
What reveals the goodness of God?
"0 taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man
that trusteth in him. 0 fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is
no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and
suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any
good thing" (Ps. 34:8-10).
The goodness of God is revealed in that He provides man with
everything he really needs. "Taste and see," says the psalmist.
He invites us to
experience
God's abundant provision. Nothing
is more convincing than experience—being in that situation
where only God can be the source of our supplies. We are
always afraid of being without our daily needs. But when cir-
cumstances take away every visible means of support, and we
find that God has supplied every need, then we are tasting how
good God is. Happy is that man whose trust in God has not been
in vain.
The imagery of the lion going hungry is very striking. Can the
king of beasts with all his strength go hungry? Yes, he can, says
the psalmist. But those who trust in God will never find them-
selves without necessities. Their lot is better than that of the
most naturally privileged.
In view of the goodness of God, how should man respond?
Ps. 107:8, 9; 105:1, 2.
How many are the blessings of God! But how sparse are
man's expressions of praise! How measureless is the love and
goodness of God, but how feeble the gratitude in the heart of
man! If God is good, why not recognize it and thank Him for it? If
we enjoy blessings from Heaven, why not lift up our voices in
grateful praise?
As we look at the world about us, how much can we see there
of the goodness of God—in nature and in the heart of men? All
goodness everywhere has its origin with God. Men are good
only because God is good. Every deed of kindness, every act of
mercy, every thought of compassion is only a reflection of the
goodness and love of God.
Where can we see evidences of God's goodness? Ps.
145:9-12.
How can the Christian see the goodness of God even in
calamitous circumstances?
"God never leads His children otherwise than they would
choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning,
and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as
co-workers with Him."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 224, 225.
Steps to Christ, "The
Privilege of Prayer," pp. 102-104.
My Father and
My God
LESSON 10
❑
Friday
December 7
Part 6
What does Romans 8:38 and 39 teach about God's love?
INVINCIBLE LOVE
"I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to
come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be
able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ
Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:38, 39).
Paul goes from one extreme to the other, from death to life,
from height to depth, and he finds that there is absolutely
nothing that can oppose the love of God and make it ineffective
in reaching man. God's love, like Himself, is an invincible, im-
penetrable power that can surround us so that no evil can reach
us, no superhuman effort can ever snatch us out of its grasp. In
God's love we are absolutely safe.
God's invincible love can never fail. Neither sin nor Satan can
stop it. When Satan caused men to sin, he hoped God's hatred
for sin would turn into hatred for man and result in his complete
destruction. But instead of destroying man, God gave His Son to
save Him.
What comparison does Paul make between man's love and
God's love? Rom. 5:6-8.
In innumerable ways God has continued to demonstrate His
love for the human race. Every child of earth has been a recip-
ient of that love. In every age God has given new assurances and
demonstrations of His love.
With what human illustration does God indicate that He
cannot forget His people? Isa. 49:15.
The context of verse 15 indicates that God's people have
sometimes felt forgotten and even forsaken. They have passed
through periods when it looked as though they were at the
mercy of adverse circumstances. They have prayed for deliver-
ance, but God has not effected any changes. Is there any hope
for them?
But God says that He has not forgotten His people. It is more
likely for a mother to forget her infant child than for God to be
unmindful of His people.
God's ways are not our ways, just as His thoughts are not our
thoughts. (See Isa. 55:8, 9.) God is ever constant. In His good
time and in His good way He will work for His people. We must
be patient, ever trusting, ever believing, knowing that God is
working out His purposes for our good.
THINK IT THROUGH
What do the assurances given to ancient Israel of God's
everlasting love mean to us today?
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"God's Love for Man," pp. 13-15.
87
The word "hosts" in the title "Lord
of hosts" has been interpreted in
different ways by scholars. Who are
the "hosts"? The scriptural usage
points to the angels as representing
the hosts over which God is Lord.
Angels surround His throne and do
His bidding. They form His retinue,
His army. Occasionally men have seen
them and recognized in them a power
available for their protection. (See
Gen. 32:1, 2; 2 Kings 6:17.)
David uses the title "Lord of hosts"
when he approaches Goliath (1 Sam.
17:45). He uses it again in the climax to
his poem of praise in Psalm 24 (verse
10). Jeremiah uses the name 88 times
as indicating that God is the Saviour
and Protector of His people.
We find in the Bible, besides the
word "angels," other names for
celestial beings:
1.
Cherubim
guarded the way to the
tree of life after Adam and Eve had
been cast out of the Garden of Eden
(Gen. 3:24). Ezekiel saw visions of
cherubim closely associated with God
(Eze. 10:21, 22).
2.
Seraphim:
Isaiah said he saw
these attending God who was seated
on the throne, high and exalted (Isa.
6:1, 2).
John the revelator saw other living
creatures about the throne of God
(Rev. 4:6-8).
The glimpses we have of these
angelic beings indicate that they are
beings of a superior order. They serve
God and worship Him. They are at His
command and are instrumental in
accomplishing His plans and
purposes. In this lesson we see how
God uses angels in His activity for
man.
To understand God better we need
to understand something concerning
His angelic emissaries. In heaven
there are thousands of them, ten
thousand times ten thousand, ever
doing God homage and ready to go on
their missions throughout the
universe. Myriads of them are at His
service here in this world. Every child
of God has his own guardian angel
who is assigned to guide, protect, and
assist him at all times and in all
conditions. This angel always has
access to God Himself on His heavenly
throne. This week we shall endeavor
to become better acquainted with
God by a brief survey of the work of
His angelic ministers.
"The angel of the Lord encampeth
round about them that fear him, and
delivereth them" (Ps. 34:7).
Little do even the children of God
know what they owe to the care and
interposition of angels. They do not
see them. They do not understand
their selfless, unceasing ministry.
They do not comprehend how vastly
different life would be if angels were
not present.
Because of the protecting care of
heavenly angels, we do not fall victims
to the evil one. Satan is constantly
seeking to destroy, but God's angels
are sent to help and guide and bless.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Angels About God's Throne
(Rev. 5:11)
2.
Attendants of Christ
(Matt. 16:27)
3.
Angelic Ministry to Men
(Heb. 1:14)
4.
Bearers of Good Tidings
(Luke 2:8-11)
5.
Messages of Doom
(Gen. 19:1, 12, 13)
6.
Controlling Agencies
(Rev. 7:1)
The Lord of Hosts
LESSON 11
❑
Sunday
December 9
Part 1
ANGELS ABOUT
GOD'S THRONE
What creatures and how many does John see around the
throne of God?
"As I looked I heard the voices of countless angels. These
were all round the throne and the living creatures and the
elders. Myriads upon myriads there were, thousands upon
thousands" (Rev. 5:11, NEB).
Heaven is the headquarters of the universe. There God is
seated on His throne. God is infinitely great, and the universe is
infinitely large. Its work must be one of almost unbelievable
complexity. It is through angels that God conducts His work.
There are untold numbers of them, "myriads upon myriads"
and "thousands upon thousands."
God's work for the world is of great importance, to Him and to
every one of us, whether sinner or saint. Every detail is closely
watched. Not a sparrow in this little earth of ours falls to the
ground without His notice. No king rules, no saint falls, without
God's being aware of it.
Angels keep all the extremely complex and mutually interwo-
ven affairs of earth under Heaven's control. In Ezekiel 1:15-21
and' 10:9-16 the seemingly chaotic array of worldly affairs is
likened to four wheels kept under the control of four living
creatures, cherubim, who in turn are under the direction of God
seated upon His throne. (See Eze. 1:26, 28; 10:1, 5, 18-20.)
Whom did Jacob see working for God on behalf of men?
Gen. 28:12.
David spoke of God's "throne in the heavens" and of His
kingdom which "ruleth over all," with His "angels that excel in
strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the
voice of his word," the "ministers of his, that do his pleasure"
(Ps. 103:19-21). Micaiah saw "the Lord sitting on his throne, and
all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on
his left" (1 Kings 22:19).
Daniel beheld the Ancient of Days seated on His throne which
appeard "like the fiery flame" (Dan. 7:9, 10).
Who does Peter mention as being interested in man's salva-
tion? 1 Peter 1:10-12.
These things which mortal eyes cannot see are just as real
and infinitely more important than the visible things of earth.
The Bible draws the curtain aside and helps us to glimpse the
close connection between heaven and earth.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why would angels be interested in man's salvation?
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 34-37.
90
The Lord of Hosts
LESSON 11
❑
Monday
December 10
Part 2
What celestial beings will accompany Christ in His second
ATTENDANTS advent?
OF CHRIST
"The Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with
his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to
his works" (Matt. 16:27).
The angels of heaven are the attendants of Christ and are
under His command. When Satan rebelled and was cast to
earth, a majority of the angels remained loyal to Christ. (See
Rev. 12:4, 7, 8.)
Since the first rebellion, all the loyal angelic host has been
closely connected with Christ in continued warfare against the
dragon. In the conduct of the work of Heaven many activities
involve the entire universe, but none are of greater importance
than those having to do with the winning back to God this world
which Satan seeks to hold. The angels are closely connected
with Christ in the conduct of this work, ever anxious to be sent
on embassies of mercy to win sinners back to God.
"Our Saviour .. . is surrounded with heavenly intelligences,
cherubim, and seraphim, ten thousand times ten thousand of
angels.
"All these heavenly beings have one object above all others,
in which they are intensely interested—His church in a world of
corruption. All these armies are in the service of the Prince of
heaven, exalting the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of
the world. They are working for Christ under His commission, to
save to the uttermost all who look to Him and believe in
Him."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol.
7, pp. 967, 968.
On what two special occasions did angels minister to
Christ? Matt. 4:11; Luke 22:43.
What will be one of the tasks of the angels at the end of the
world? Matt. 13:41, 42.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why does God not use angels only in the accomplishment of
His purposes?
"We are to be laborers together with the heavenly angels in
presenting Jesus to the world. With almost impatient eagerness
the angels wait for our co-operation; for man must be the chan-
nel to communicate with man. And when we give ourselves to
Christ in wholehearted devotion, angels rejoice that they may
speak through our voices to reveal God's love."—The
Desire of
Ages,
p. 297.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, pp. 94, 95.
91
The Lord of Hosts
LESSON 11
❑
Tuesday
December 11
Part 3
ANGELIC MINISTRY
TO MEN
What is the function of angels in relation to man?
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for
them who shall be heirs of salvation?" (Heb. 1:14).
Angels have their homes in heaven, but they are often on
earth. They are at the command of Jesus to serve man. They
bring the blessings of heaven to the needy of earth. They con-
nect man in his weakness with God in His strength.
What did Jesus say was one of God's provisions for "little
ones"? Matt. 18:10.
"Little ones" may not only be children. They could very well
be those who are weak in the faith. God is very much concerned
about the safety of everyone, especially those who are not able
to care for themselves. (See Ps. 91:11, 12.)
"Angels of glory that do always behold the face of the Father
in heaven, joy in ministering to His little ones. Angels are ever
present when they are most needed, with those who have the
hardest battles with self to fight, and whose surroundings are
the most discouraging. Weak and trembling souls who have
many objectionable traits of character are their special
charge."—The
Ministry of Healing,
p. 105.
How did an angel release Peter from prison? Acts 12:7-10.
How did the same angel bring death to Herod? Verse 23.
"The same angel who had come from the royal courts to
rescue Peter, had been the messenger of wrath and judgment to
Herod. The angel smote Peter to arouse him from slumber; it
was with a different stroke that he smote the wicked king, laying
low his pride and bringing upon him the punishment of the
Almighty. Herod died in great agony of mind and body under the
retributive judgment of God."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 152.
How only can we be aware of the work of angels on our
behalf? 2 Kings 6:17.
"Angels are constantly ascending and descending this ladder
of shining brightness, bearing the prayers of the needy and
distressed to the Father above, and bringing blessing and hope,
courage and help, to the children of men. These angels of light
create a heavenly atmosphere about the soul, lifting us toward
the unseen and the eternal."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 153.
Why is it wrong to worship angels? Rev. 19:10.
Education,
pp. 304, 305.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
92
The Lord of Hosts
LESSON 11
❑
Wednesday
December 12
Part 4
BEARERS OF
GOOD TIDINGS
What good news did an angel bring to shepherds in a field
by night?
"There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the
field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel
of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone
round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel
said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings
of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born
this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord"
(Luke 2:8-11).
The most important news that has ever come to the world was
the announcement that the birth of the Saviour of the world had
taken place. The tidings were entrusted to an angel and were
announced to the humble shepherds of Bethlehem.
What other instances are recorded of angels communicat-
ing important messages for God?
Both Joseph (Matt. 1:21) and Paul (Acts 27:22-24) received
divine instruction by means of an angel messenger.
"Heaven and earth are no wider apart today than when
shepherds listened to the angels' song. Humanity is still as
much the object of heaven's solicitude as when common men of
common occupations met angels at noonday, and talked with
the heavenly messengers in the vineyards and the fields. To us
in the common walks of life, heaven may be very near. Angels
from the courts above will attend the steps of those who come
and go at. God's commands."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 48.
The apostle Paul represents what every missionary can be by
God's grace, a means of bringing hope and courage to those
who do not know God. Paul, on the ship that was scheduled to
take them to Italy, suffered physically like anyone else. But he
had one privilege that few could share.
How grateful men should be for our wonderful God who
sends His angelic messengers with news for the children of
earth from His seemingly unreachable heaven!
What is one reason why men are admonished to entertain
strangers? Heb. 13:2.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why Is a message from an angel as authoritative as if it
came directly from God Himself?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 44-49.
93
The Lord of Hosts
LESSON 11
❑
Thursday
December 13
Part 5
What agents did God use for the destruction of Sodom?
MESSAGES OF DOOM
"There came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in
the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet
them."
"The men said unto Lot, . . . We will destroy this place,
because the cry of them Is waxen great before the face of the
Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it" (Gen. 19:1, 12,
13).
Not all the missions of angels bring happiness and blessing.
At times angels are sent by God with messages of judgment or
doom. Thus it was with Sodom. Because of its iniquity, God saw
fit to withdraw His protection and mercy, and the city met its
doom. Angels carried out His purpose. At the same time angels
were working to save Lot and his family. Their patience and
insistence is an example of how God is anxious to save us from
the destruction of this world.
How did an angel destroy the efficacy of a great army?
2 Chron. 32:20, 21.
"The God of the Hebrews had prevailed over the proud Assyr-
ian. The honor of Jehovah was vindicated in the eyes of the
surrounding nations. In Jerusalem the hearts of the people were
filled with holy joy. Their earnest entreaties for deliverance had
been mingled with confession of sin and with many tears. In
their great need they had trusted wholly in the power of God to
save, and He had not failed
them."—Prophets and Kings,
pp.
361, 362.
What part did an angel have in punishing Jerusalem?
1 Chron. 21:14, 15.
Of the three options, David chose to fall into the hands of God.
He knew that God was just, but also merciful (verse 13).
What terrible judgMents fall on the earth when seven angels
pour out seven vials containing God's wrath? Rev. 16.
It must never be thought that wicked men or a wicked world
are beyond the judgment of God. When iniquity is carried to a
point beyond which Heaven can no longer permit, angels of
judgment are sent to withdraw God's protecting mercies and to
permit evil to reap the bitter harvest it has sown.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can one reconcile destructive acts with the goodness
of God?
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 157-160;
The Great Controversy,
pp. 35, 36, 614.
94
The Lord of Hosts
LESSON 11
❑
Friday
December 14
Part 6
What work did John the revelator see angels doing?
CONTROLLING
AGENCIES
"I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth,
holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not
blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree" (Rev. 7:1).
This view is of vital import to the world today. It is a simple
statement of a very important fact. Angels unseen by men are
commissioned by God to hold in check throughout the earth
powers which could prematurely explode into outbreaks which
would engulf the entire world in final destruction. Satan incites
men everywhere to outbursts of wrath and violence. But angels
from God hold them in check. Had it not been for the restraining
activities of the angels, earth's troubles would long since have
erupted into conflicts that would have ended only in Armaged-
don.
"Men cannot discern the sentinel angels restraining the four
winds that they shall not blow until the servants of God are
sealed; but when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there
will be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 6, p. 408.
How was Daniel saved from death in the den of lions? Dan.
6:22.
"God did not prevent Daniel's enemies from casting him into
the lions' den; He permitted evil angels and wicked men thus far
to accomplish their purpose; but it was that He might make the
deliverance of His servant more marked, and the defeat of the
enemies of truth and righteousness more complete."—
Prophets and Kings,
pp. 543, 544.
"From the story of Daniel's deliverance we may learn that in
seasons of trial and gloom God's children should be just what
they were when their prospects were bright with hope and their
surroundings all that they could desire. Daniel in the lion's den
was the same Daniel who stood before the king as chief among
the ministers of state and as a prophet of the Most High. A man
whose heart is stayed upon God will be the same in the hour of
his greatest trial as he is in prosperity, when the light and favor
of God and of man beam upon him. Faith reaches to the unseen,
and grasps eternal realities."—Prophets
and Kings,
p. 545.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what ways have you recognized the intervention of
angels In your life? (See
The Great Controversy,
p. 517.)
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, pp. 96, 97;
Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp.
456, 457.
95
LESSON 12 December 16-22
"So that we may boldly say, The Lord
is my helper, and I will not fear what
man shall do unto me (Heb. 13:6).
The writer to the Hebrews is quoting
from Psalm 118:6 where the text says,
"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear:
what can man do unto me?" The
central thought is still the same; the
wonderful God we worship is on our
side of the struggle. He is there to help
us in any way we need. As a
consequence, we have no reason to
fear any harm that may come from man
or any other source.
If in past ages God's people needed
to know Him as their Helper and
Protector, there is much greater need
that they know Him as their Helper
today. Now in earth's last days there
are greater trials, temptations, and
dangers than ever before. We are
living in the days concerning which
Christ warned that efforts would be
made, if possible, to "deceive the very
elect" (Matt. 24:24). These are the
times concerning which God warned
that the devil would come down in
"great wrath," knowing "that he hath
but a short time," and that the dragon
would be "wroth with the woman"
and would "make war with the
remnant of her seed, which keep the
commandments of God, and have the
testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev..12: 12,
17). In this lesson we shall endeavor to
become better acquainted with God
as our divine Helper and Protector.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
God's Great Power to Help
(Eph. 3:20)
2.
God's Willingness to Help
(Isa. 41:10)
3.
God, the Protector of
His People
(Ps. 27:1-5)
4.• Manifestations in Emergencies
(Isa. 59:18, 19)
5.
God Guides His People
(Ps. 48:14)
6.
Worthy of Trust
(Nahum 1:7)
The God of Help
LESSON 12
❑
Sunday
December 16
Part 1
GOD'S GREAT
POWER TO HELP
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
What was Paul's view of God's power to help?
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly
above all that we ask or think, according to the power that
worketh in us" (Eph. 3:20).
When we want someone to do something for us, we go to
someone who is able to do it. If we want a watch repaired, a
motor fixed, a house built, we go to someone with competence.
When we need help, the part of wisdom is always to go to
someone who is able to help.
We are conditioned to think that, in these days of scientific
progress, there is no limit to what science can do. We talk of the
miracles of medicine and technology. We think that all we need
to do is to invest more money and time and the answers will be
found. But the fact is that man is limited by time and conditioned
by his environment. With all his efforts and skill he faces death
and the end of the world. If he is wise, he will look beyond the
immediate and recognize a God who is there to help, and there
is no limit to what He can do.
Do we fear the power of wicked men or nations? "Behold the
nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small
dust of the balance" (Isa. 40:15).
What was Paul's attitude to his weakness? Why? 2 Cor. 12:9.
Do you doubt your ability to meet the requirements God has
set for those who are to live with Him in glory? Commit yourself
"unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present
you faultless before the presence of his glory" (Jude 24).
What gift did Isaiah assure Israel they could receive from
God? Isa. 40:28-31.
To "wait upon the Lord" is not simply to do nothing. It is to
look to God for guidance and strength. In Him and not in our-
selves is the secret of success in our struggles with ourselves,
with our environment, and with the task that God has given us to
do.
Does the church feel that Christ's command to give the gos-
pel to all nations is too great a task? Let it recall His promise:
"Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." "All
power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matt. 28:20, 18).
Why is it that God can use us better in our weaknesses?
Messages to Young People,
pp. 51-53; 105-108.
98
The God of Help
LESSON 12
❑
Monday
December 17
Part 2
Why does God say we need not be afraid in any cir-
GOD'S WILLINGNESS cumstance?
TO HELP
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am
thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will
uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness" (Isa.
41:10).
Every child of God may have implicit confidence in God's
willingness to help and in His ability and purpose to strengthen
and uphold. His one thought toward His children is always to
help them. As a mother loves her child and would make any
sacrifice in its behalf, so with God.
How certain was the psalmist that God would provide for
him? Ps. 27:10.
Home ties are usually very strong. They give us a sense of
security. It is frightening to be thrown out into the world. But
God is always mindful of our needs. (See Mark 10:29, 30.)
God loves His children with a love that is guided by His
wisdom and His desire to help. Our desires and prayers are not
always commensurate with His goodness, wisdom, and love.
"God is too wise and good to answer our prayers always at
just the time and in just the manner we desire. He will do more
and better for us than to accomplish all our wishes. And be-
cause we can trust His wisdom and love, we should not ask Him
to concede to our will, but should seek to enter into and ac-
complish His purpose. Our desires and interests should be lost
in His will."—The
Ministry of Healing,
p. 231.
What assurance may we have concerning the watchcare of
God? Ps. 121:4-7.
"In His loving care and interest in us, often He who under-
stands us better than we understand ourselves refuses to permit
us selfishly to seek the gratification of our own ambition. He
does not permit us to pass by the homely but sacred duties that
lie next to us. Often these duties afford the very training essen-
tial to prepare us for a higher work. Often our plans fail that
God's plans for us may succeed.. ..
"In the future life the mysteries that here have annoyed and
disappointed us will be made plain. We shall see that our seem-
ingly unanswered prayers and disappointed hopes have been
among our greatest blessings."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pp.
473, 474.
THINK IT THROUGH
If God is always for us, why do events so often appear to be
against us?
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 230, 231.
99
The God of Help
LESSON 12
❑
Tuesday
December 18
Part 3
GOD, THE
PROTECTOR
OF HIS PEOPLE
Why, according to the psalmist, is it not necessary for a
Christian to be afraid? Ps. 27:1-5.
The Christian sometimes passes through days of darkness
and uncertainty. But the Lord is his light, showing him clearly
the way he ought to go.
Does he sometimes feel that the whole world is against him?
Perhaps! But he has no reason to fear the outcome. With God
our Helper on our side, victory is certain.
Children of God have enemies, but they need not fear them.
Every man who endeavors to do right has the forces of evil
arrayed against him, but he need not live in terror. What he
needs is faith in God and the courage that comes with it. With
these he may have peace in his heart and victory in his life.
What may be the confidence of every child of God? Ps. 91:2.
Ellen White, commenting on Psalm 91, wrote: "The righteous
understand God's government, and will triumph with holy glad-
ness in the everlasting protection and salvation that Christ
through His merits has secured for them. Let all remember this,
and forget not that the wicked, who do not receive Christ as
their personal Saviour, understand not His providence."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 3, p. 1150.
"While Satan is constantly devising evil, the Lord our God
overrules all, so that it will not harm His obedient, trusting
children. The same power that controls the boisterous waves of
the ocean can hold in check all the power of rebellion."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 3, p. 1141.
If we are God's children, then our enemies are His enemies,
our battles His battles, and our weaknesses and shortcomings
are girded with His strength.
"He who slumbers not, who is continually at work for the
accomplishment of His designs, will carry forward His own
work. He will thwart the purposes of wicked men, and will bring
to confusion the counsels of those who plot mischief against
His people. He who is the King, the Lord of hosts, sitteth be-
tween the cherubim, and amid the strife and tumult of nations
He guards His children still. He who ruleth in the heavens is our
Saviour. He measures every trial, He watches the furnace fire
that must test every soul. When the strongholds of kings shall be
overthrown, when the arrows of wrath shall strike through the
hearts of His enemies, His people will be safe in His hands."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 121.
THINK IT THROUGH
If God is strong, why do His children often appear so weak?
FURTHER STUDY
Prophets and Kings,
pp. 173-176.
100
The God of Help
LESSON 12
❑
Wednesd
ay
December 19
Part 4
"According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to
MANIFESTATIONS his adversaries, recompense to his enemies.... So shall they
IN EMERGENCIES fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the
rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood,
the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up
el
standard against him" (Isa.
59:18, 19).
We live in a world where those who endeavor to serve God
must expect manifestations of the power of the enemy and
reveal ings of the power of God. An alert enemy is ever at work,
ready at any moment to pounce upon and devour his prey. Left
to themselves alone, the children of God would be no match for
the relentless foe. But the battle is not theirs alone; it is God's.
The honor of God is at stake as well as the fate of His children. In
every crisis the Lord is with His people, ready to defend and
deliver. That was the situation with Israel at the Red Sea; with
the Jews in Persia in the days of Esther, Mordecai, and Haman;
and Elijah in the days of Ahab and Jezebel.
How effective is the wrath of man against the power of God?
Ps. 76:10.
At these times of greatest emergency God displays Himself in
His matchless majesty. Never are the wonders of our wonderful
God more magnificently revealed than when the saints are weak
and God shows Himself to be infinitely strong, when the enemy
is exerting himself to the utmost to destroy and God reveals
Himself to save. At such times the children of God know of
certainty that the Lord omnipotent is their God. The wicked also
are forced to admit that the Lord Jehovah is God, and that it is to
Him that all honor and praise is due.
"God has always wrought for His people in their greatest
extremity, when there seemed the least hope that ruin could be
averted. The designs of wicked men, the enemies of the church,
are subject to His power and overruling providence. He can
move upon the hearts of statesmen; the wrath of the turbulent
and disaffected, the haters of God, His truth, and His people can
be turned aside, even as the rivers of water are turned, if He
orders it thus. Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence. He who
marshals the stars in order in the heavens, whose word controls
the waves of the great deep, the same infinite Creator will work
in behalf of His people if they call upon Him in faith."—
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 452, 453.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why does the Lord permit situations to reach a point of
crisis where victory for the enemy appears to be inevitable?
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 283-290.
101
The God of Help
LESSON 12
❑
Thursday
December 20
Part 5
GOD GUIDES
HIS PEOPLE
What does the psalmist say that God will do for us?
"This God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide
even unto death" (Ps. 48:14).
Man, with the limitations of his knowledge and foresight, is
constantly in need of divine guidance. In His Word God has
repeatedly promised to guide His children, and we find there
many examples of those who have been guided by Him, such as
Abraham, Moses, David, Peter, John, and Paul.
How personal is God's guidance? Ps. 32:8.
Guidance with the eye is a close and intimate guidance. It is
more than giving instructions and leaving a person to carry
them out. It means watching the person continually to make
sure that every move is correct. It is the guidance that a father
would give a son, freely, willingly, and with a deep concern for
the son's best interest.
"There are three ways in which the Lord reveals His will to us.
... God reveals His will to us in His word, the Holy Scriptures. His
voice is also revealed in His providential workings; and it will be
recognized if we do not separate our souls from Him by walking
in our own ways, doing according to our own wills, and follow-
ing the promptings of an unsanctified heart, until the senses
have become so confused that eternal things are not dis-
cerned, and the voice of Satan is so disguised that it is accepted
as the voice of God.
"Another way in which God's voice is heard is through the
appeals of His Holy Spirit, making impressions upon the heart,
which will be wrought out in the character. If you are in doubt
upon any subject you must first consult the Scriptures."—
Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 512.
What was David's prayer for guidance? Ps. 31:3; 27:11; 43:3.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can we make sure that the impressions of our hearts
are right impressions?
"Those whp decide to do nothing in any line that will dis-
please God, will know, after presenting their case before Him,
just what course to pursue. And they will receive not only wis-
dom, but strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be
imparted to them, as Christ has promised."—The
Desire of
Ages,
p. 668.
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 248, 249;
Gospel Workers,
p.285.
102
The God of Help
LESSON 12
❑
Friday
December 21
Part 6
WORTHY OF TRUST
THINK IT THROUGH
"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble, and he
knoweth them that trust in him" (Nahum 1:7).
Can a man of little faith have a strong trust in God?
God's people have faith in God and place their trust in Him.
They live happily, sleep peacefully, and work successfully be-
cause of their trust in God.
Trusting God, God's children put His ways above their own
ways, His wisdom above theirs, His judgment above their own.
They accept His strength to replace their weakness, His perfec-
tion for their own shortcomings. All the resources of Heaven are
theirs who place their trust in God.
Man's judgment and knowledge are imperfect. But the man
who obeys God because he trusts Him accepts the wisdom and
ways of Him who has never made a mistake.
No one need ever be disappointed in placing implicit trust in
God. God always knows what is best and what will work out for
man's own good and the greater good of His cause on earth.
"No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
0 Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee" (Ps.
84:11, 12).
What in man's experience contributes to lack of trust in
God? (See 2 Cor. 1:9; Heb. 3:12.)
Disbelief and sufficiency have ever stood as barriers to a
trusting relationship with God. However, there is no limit to
what a man may accomplish who goes forward with full confi-
dence in God and complete reliance on His strength. Thus it was
with Paul. "I can do all things through Christ which strength-
eneth me" (Phil. 4:13). Paul was well aware of his own weak-
nesses, but he was also acquainted with God's infinite strength
that was placed at his disposal.
What did trust in God mean to the psalmist? Ps. 118:5-9.
Is trust in God important for the things of earth as well as for
the things of heaven? If I lack trust in God, how may I secure
it? If my faith is weak, is it possible that it may grow? Is there
any relationship between trust in God and obedience to His
commands?
"God will do great things for those who trust in Him. The
reason why His professed people have no greater strength is
that they trust so much to their own wisdom, and do not give the
Lord an opportunity to reveal His power in their behalf. He will
help His believing children in every emergency if they will place
their entire confidence in Him and faithfully obey
Him."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
p. 493.
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pp. 253-256.
103
LESSON 13 December 23-29
"The Lord is the true God, he is the
living God, and an everlasting king: at
his wrath the earth shall tremble, and
the nations shall not be able to abide
his indignation" (Jer. 10:10).
Our wonderful God is pictured in
Scripture as a king. In these days of the
earth's history there are not many
kings. Presidents, generals, prime
ministers, and even chairmen are in
control of the destinies of nations. It
may be well, therefore, to review the
responsibilities of a king in order that
we may see clearly one of the
functions of our God.
Kings, in the days when the Bible
was written, ruled without a system of
checks and balances. They were
sovereign in their land. Their word was
law. In the same manner, God has sole
authority. His commands are to be
obeyed. He gives direction to every
movement and policy.
But kings on earth have never really
represented the King of kings and Lord
of lords. Some have been king for a
day. Our God is King forever and ever.
Some kings have been arbitrary in
their judgments, even wicked in their
intentions. David was far from perfect
in his ways. (See the way he treated
Uriah for the sake of Bathsheba,
2 Samuel 11..) By contrast our God is a
righteous king.
Some kings have carried the title,
but they have contributed very little, if
anything, to the greatness of their
nation. They have been puppet kings,
mere figureheads. But this is far from
true of our God, who can be called the
King of glory.
Some kings have had to fight for
their kingdom, to defeat an enemy.
And some have failed. Our God is a
King who is en&aged in a battle for the
truth, and His victory is assured. In this
lesson we look at our God as King of
kings. "Crown Him with many
crowns"!
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Lord Is King
(Isa. 33:22)
2.
Kin& Eternal
(1 Tim. 1:17)
3.
King of Glory
(Ps. 24:7, 8)
4.
Final Victory
(Dan. 2:44)
5.
A Reign in Righteousness
(Isa. 32:1)
6.
Jesus, Our Worthy King
(Rev. 5:12, 13)
King of Kings
LESSON 13
❑
Sunday
December 23
Part 1
THE LORD IS KING
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
106
"The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is
our king; he will save us" (Isa. 33:22).
This text not only proclaims that God is King, but also de-
clares that He is Judge, Lawgiver, and Saviour.
This multifaceted aspect of the responsibilities of a king is not
true of many, if any, kings today. Most rulers have checks placed
on their powers. This seems to be necessary because of the
limitations of any man. But the Lord who is our King is able and
functions in these as well as other ways.
How did Abraham expect that the Judge of all the earth
should act? Gen. 18:25.
Note that it would be an injustice for the righteous to suffer
with the wicked. Note also that the wicked can be given extra
grace because of the presence of a few righteous people. Have
you thought that, when you are fully surrendered to God and
obedient to Him, your neighbors profit from your presence
among them?
God is not interested in condemning the world and destroy-
ing it (John 3:17). But when people refuse to accept God's
mercy, then punishment is inevitable.
What is the relation between judging and the law? James
4:11, 12.
A king could also be a savior to his people. He could protect
them from their enemies. Not all kings were always capable of
this. But our God is a King who will never fail to save those who
come to Him.
What did the children of Israel forget? Ps. 106:21.
Many of us have good "forgetters," but we should never
forget the way that God has led us in the past and His promises
for the future. (Read Psalm 103:1-6, where we are reminded of
the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us.)
What is the relationship of law to Saviour as far as man Is
concerned?
"When man fell by transgression the law was not changed,
but a remedial system was established to bring him back to
obedience. The promise of a Saviour was given, and sacrificial
offerings pointing forward to the death of Christ as the great sin
offering were established. But had the law of God never been
transgressed, there would have been no death, and no need of a
Saviour."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 363.
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 331-342.
King of Kings
LESSON 13
❑
Monday
December 24
Part 2
"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only
KING ETERNAL wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen"
(1 Tim. 1:17).
In this doxology Paul mentions some important characteris-
tics of God—He is forever sovereign, untouched by change or
decay, beyond the reach of human eyes, and the only one whose
wisdom is impeccable.
Contrasted with the wages of death, what is the gift of God?
Rom. 6:23.
Life is a very precious commodity, and God desires that we
shall have it abundantly (John 10:10). He is the only source of
life (John 11:25). The knowledge of God leads to life eternal
(John 17:3). It is very fitting, therefore, that our God should be
represented as an eternal King.
The concept of eternal kingship rules out the possibility of
unwelcome change or an order passing away. It speaks of
stability and continuity, that which creates trust.
What does the psalmist say about God's kingdom in Psalm
145:13?
God's kingly authority governs all time and space. In other
words He is the sole ruler of the universe, and as such demands
our compliance and worship.
What does God say about Himself in Malachi 3:6?
"Change and decay in all around I see; 0 Thou, who changest
not, abide with me!"—Henry
F.
Lyte,
Church Hymnal,
no. 50.
(See James 1:17.) Because God remains eternally the same, we
have the assured hope that He will fulfill His promises.
By contrast we can see how fickle man has been. Laban
deceived Jacob and changed his wages ten times (Gen. 31:7).
We cannot put our trust even in princes. We can never be certain
of anything in this life, particularly riches (1 Tim. 6:17)! We can
only be certain that God is ruling heaven, that all things are in
His control, and that we are under His care if we put our trust in
Him.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can we express our loyalty to our Eternal King?
"Lead on, 0 King Eternal, we follow, not with fears,
For gladness breaks like morning where'er Thy face appears;
Thy cross is lifted o'er us; we journey in its light;
The crown awaits the conquest; lead on, 0 God of might.
—Ernest W. Shurtleff,
Church Hymnal,
no. 362.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Lord's Prayer"
(Matt. 6:13), pp. 120-122.
107
King of Kings
LESSON 13
❑
Tuesday
December 25
Part 3
KING OF GLORY
"Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates: and be ye lift up, ye everlast-
ing doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King
of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in
battle" (Ps. 24:7, 8).
"King of glory" and "glorious King" are one and the same in
meaning. Our wonderful God is a King all glorious.
What request did Moses make regarding God's glory? Ex.
33:18.
God's glory is seen in His gracious character. Some people
think that glory is an outward manifestation of light, a display of
riches and power. But God's glory has to do with His inner
being. What He is makes Him glorious. God made all His good-
ness to pass before Moses.
Jesus pointed out the difference between an inherent glory
and one that is "put on" when He contrasted the lily of the field
with Solomon and all his finery. If we want to reflect the glory of
God, we need to allow God to remake us, and then we can
radiate the glory of God in our lives.
What does Jeremiah warn against in Jeremiah 9:23, 24?
A true knowledge of God will show that man cannot boast of
anything. All that he has comes from God. Many do not under-
stand this, and they take pride in their accomplishments. But
what a man can do in his own strength is as nothing compared
with what he can do in the strength of the Lord.
God's glory is seen not only in His goodness and mercy. It is
seen also in the conflict with evil. When sin first entered heaven,
God was all good in pleading with Lucifer and his angels. But
the time came when there could be no room for rebellion in
heaven. A war broke out in which Michael and His angels fought
against the dragon and his angels. (See Rev. 12:7-9.) Then there
was the struggle on the cross, when it seemed as though Satan
had gained the victory. But with the resurrection God was vindi-
cated. Truth will always triumph over evil. The King of glory is
"mighty in battle." Because He is strong, we may be strong too.
THINK IT THROUGH
What does Paul mean when he admonishes, "Do all to the
glory of God"? (1 Cor. 10:31).
"A mere profession of faith in Christ, a boastful knowledge of
the truth, does not make a man a Christian. A religion that seeks
only to gratify the eye, the ear, and the taste, or that sanctions
self-indulgence, is not the religion of Christ."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
p. 317.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 309-322.
108
King of Kings
LESSON 13
❑
Wednesday
December 26
Part 4
"In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a
FINAL VICTORY kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom
shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and
consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever" (Dan.
2:44).
In this world kingdoms have risen and fallen. Shall this go on
forever and ever? God's answer is No. The time is coming when
God can brook no more delay. Everyone will have decided
which side of the conflict he is taking, and God will destroy the
wicked and vindicate the righteous.
Who does Daniel, in another vision, state are the final vic-
tors? Dan. 7:27.
"Here is a reassuring glimpse of the final outcome of all the
turmoil and persecution through which the saints have passed.
Blessed thought! Christ is soon to return for His saints and
usher them into their everlasting kingdom and reward."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 834.
According to Peter, how will God finally act? 2 Peter 2:4-9.
Lot, with all his faults, was vexed with what he saw around
him. But the solution to the problem was not in his power.
Sometimes we get jealous for reform, and want to turn the world
upside down. But we are not always wise enough to understand
what the problem really is. In our relations with other people we
are not in a position to judge or execute judgment. "Vengeance
is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord" (Rom. 12:19).
How soon will God set up His kingdom? Rev. 22:20.
Jesus told His disciples to watch for the signs of His coming
(Matt. 24:42). We know we are living in the last days because the
prophecies have almost all been fulfilled. It is not for us to know
the
time
of His coming (Acts 1:7), but we are to be ready since
His coming will be unexpected (Matt. 24:44).
"More than eighteen centuries have passed since the apos-
tles rested from their labors, but the history of their toils and
sacrifices for Christ's sake is still among the most precious
treasures of the church. This history, written under the direction
of the Holy Spirit, was recorded in order that by it the followers
of Christ in every age might be impelled to a greater zeal and
earnestness in the cause of the Saviour."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
p. 593.
THINK IT THROUGH
How do we know that Christ's coming is certain? Why do you
think there has been a delay?
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 593-602.
109
King of Kings
LESSON 13
❑
Thursday
December 27
Part 5
"Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes
A REIGN IN
shall rule in judgment" (Isa. 32:1).
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Man has always looked forward to a reign in which righteous-
ness prevails. Rulers have made broad promises. Citizens have
overthrown kingdoms in which injustice has been rampant. But
the ideal has never been reached.
How are the people to react when the Lord reigns? Ps. 97:1;
Ps. 99:1.
Rejoicing and trembling are apparently conflicting emotions.
But trembling suggests a spirit of reverence rather than of fear.
Recognition of a holy God, a God as great as our wonderful
God, demands a posture of humility and waiting. No one wants
to move except to do what is right. At the same time the heart is
bubbling up with joy because the great day has come, the day of
seeing right prevail, of mutual love and caring. This is a day we
have anticipated, and now it is here. .
What is one element that will cause rejoicing? Ps. 9:14.
Being saved is a goal that some of us hardly feel possible for
us. Paul felt that he was the chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). But
God's grace is abundant (verse 14). Joshua the high priest was a
"brand plucked out of the fire" (Zech. 3:2). But God had made
every provision for him. Thus it will be with us, and we shall
rejoice that God has saved us in spite of ourselves.
What was God's promise to Israel regarding iniquity at the
time of the Lord's reign? Isa. 33:22, 24.
It can be our privilege to live during the Lord's eternal reign
only because of God's forgiveness. God is eager for us to live in
His kingdom. Jesus has extended a gracious invitation (John
14:1-3). John the revelator had a glimpse of the earth made new
and recorded the invitation of the Spirit (Rev. 22:17). Paul says
that the suffering we may have in this world is no hindrance to
us when we consider future glory (Rom. 8:18, 19). Our minds
must be set not on the things around us but on the things above.
THINK IT THROUGH
What are some of the things that I look forward to when God
sets up His kingdom?
"With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the
joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures
of knowledge and understanding gained through ages upon
ages in contemplation of God's handiwork."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
p. 677.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 675-678.
110
King of Kings
LESSON 13
❑
Friday
December 28
Part 6
JESUS, OUR
WORTHY KING
THINK IT THROUGH
Who did John the revelator see honoring Christ?
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and
riches; and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and
blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the
earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all
that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and
glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and
unto the Lamb for ever and ever" (Rev. 5:12, 13).
The scene is the final coronation of Christ after the thousand
years. He had occupied the throne with God before the fall of
man, but He had given it up when He came to earth as man to
give up His life for man's salvation.
Now Jesus is to reign again as Lord over all the universe. And
all the universe is there to witness His coronation. All the un-
fallen beings are there from other worlds and all the angels of
heaven. The fallen angels are also there, outside the walls of the
New Jerusalem, with Satan their leader. All mankind is likewise
there, the righteous within, the wicked without the city.
As Christ is crowned King of kings and Lord of lords—as He is
given a name "above every name"—all, both good and evil, bow
in homage before Him.
Why is Christ worthy of the highest honors that can be
bestowed upon Him? Rev. 5:9, 10.
"As Christ in His expiring agony upon the cross cried out, 'It is
finished' (John 19:30), a shout of triumph rang through every
world and through heaven itself. The great contest that had
been so long in progress in this world was now decided, and
Christ was conqueror. His death had answered the question
whether the Father and the Son had sufficient love for man to
exercise self-denial and a spirit of sacrifice.... With one voice
the loyal universe united in extolling the divine administration."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 69, 70.
Seeing we are to be kings and reign on earth (See Rev. 5:10),
how should we behave now when we are given authority over
other men?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 832-835.
111
r 1
der /1980
Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Les-
sons for the first quarter of 1980 will be helped by the following outline in
studying the first two lessons. The title of the series is "Redemption in
Romans."
First Lesson
CHRISTIANITY REACHES ROME. Memory Text, Rom. 1:1-7.
1. City of Origin (Rom. 16:1, 2)
2. Date of Writing (Rom. 15:25, 26)
3. Announcement of Intended Visit (Rom. 15:23, 24)
4. Paul Reaches Rome (Acts 28:16)
5. The Salutation (Rom. 1:7)
6. World Reputation (Rom. 1:8)
Second Lesson
JEW VERSUS GENTILE. Memory Text, John 1:17.
1. Old Testament Salvation (Lev. 18:5)
2. Old and New Testament Religion Compared (John 1:17)
3. Classifications of Jewish Law (Lev. 27:34)
4. The Judaizers (Acts 15:1)
5. Council Decision (Acts 15:19, 20, 28)
6. The Galatian Heresy (Gal. 1:6, 7)
Lessons in Braille
The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in
Braille and 16
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What is your concept of God? Do you view Him as a Rev. Jimmy
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ISRAEL
MISSION
•
Israel
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
Tunisia
Algeria
Mocambique
Madagascar
Angola
ANGOLA
UNION
MOZAMBIQUE
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"It Greece
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NORTH AFRICAN
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Mali
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SENEGAL-
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MISSION
Niger
NORTNWISt AFRICAN MISSION
Central &Mean
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Unions
Population Churches
Church
Members
SS
Members
Angola
6.770.300
182
43.558
55,789
Austrian
7,520.400
44
2.708
3,609
Bulgarian
8,722,000
62
2.991 2.891
Czechoslovakian
14,862,000
134
7.549
10,210
Franco-Belgian
63,140.000
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4.987
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10,080,000
156
10,754
16.781
Mozambique
8.519.000
96
19,270
35.912
Romanian
21,245,000
523
51,597
52,857
South German
30,200,000
215
13,314
14,125
Southern European
112,427,000
156
13.829 12.849
Swiss
6.333,000
59
4.060
3.501
West Central African
19.300.000
82
19,993
31,736
West German
31,405.100
185
12.487
14,409
Yugoslavian
23,860,000 .
273
10,542
11,010
Israel Mission
3.571,000
4
62
49
North African Mission
40,869,000
3
36
31
Northwest African Mission
15,976,000
10
583
678
DIVISION TOTALS
451,907,900
2,763
237.664
291,065
,7,
4•
7
as as of Septxr.•• 1978)
INDIAN OCEAN
1510*:
HOSPITAL'at Andipa
(Completion)
EURO-AFRICA
DIVISION
Italy
1
4
V
SCHOOL in Porto
Portugal
1.
SO. EUROPEAN UNION
2.
SWISS UNION
3.
YUGOSLAVIAN UNION
AUSTRIAN UNION
CZECHOSLOVAKIAN UNION
HUNGARIAN UNION
ROMANIAN UNION
Roman
VLF'
BULGARIAN CHURCH
W.GERMAN UNION
S. GERMAN UNION
FRANCO-BELGIAN UNION
DDR
Genssany
Chad
WES CENTRAL AFRICAN
Congo
Gabon
,
EVANGHISTICCENTE